William Topaz McGonagall. The very name reeks of poetry, and poet he was. Born in 1830 in Dundee, where he is still remembered as “Dundee’s most famous nobody” (does so rhyme!), McGonagall died in 1902 in Edinburgh (where he is also claimed Native Son). His unparalleled awkward rhythms and dud rhymes were perfectly matched by his subject matter: spectacular train wrecks and the mountains of Greenland.
We invite you to partake in what we consider the absolute freefall of his bottomless barrel, best savored when read aloud with the audience joining in on the fateful chorus:
Then see if you can match McGonagall for Worst Poem Ever -- For more coaching in this area, attend our own Bad Poetry Seminar, taught by the inimitable Sparrow.~Bob Holman
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For more on McGonagall:
- Visit the comprehensive McGonagall Online site.
- At the Dundee City Council site, there is a page claiming William McGonagall as their own Poet & Tragedian of Dundee, as well as a collection of images from the 2002 Dundee Library exhibition on McGonagall, including a copy of his handwritten manuscript of “Bonnie Dundee.”
- The William Topaz McGonagall Appreciation Society has lots of McGonagall poems & a library of books by & about McGonagall. Based at Mennies Speedwell Bar in Dundee, they welcome new members: “If you are in the vicinity why not drop in and see us. A McGonagall welcome is assured!”
- If you do go to Dundee, you can stay in the guest house run by McGonagall’s great great granddaughter.
