David Rands has kindly shared with readers of the Victorian Web his site about the life and works of W. B. Rands, the prolific writer of children's literature and originator of The Boy's Own Paper. Readers may wish to consult this site for more information about this little-known figure who had an immense influence upon Victorian children. [GPL]

       Nathan Nobb,
       Oh, what a job!
Always walked on his head;
       His mother would sob
       To his brother Bob,
And his father took to his bed.

       They made him a boot
       His head to suit,
But a horrible thing must be said, -
       His hair took root,
       And began to shoot,
One day, in the garden bed!

       So there he stands
       With the help of his hands
And a little support from his nose:
       The gardener man,
       With the watering-can,
Says, "Gracious, how fast he grows!"


Last modified 21 August 2005