China Rhymes

Two classics of Old China Coast Poetry. Ballads of the East / China Coast Ballads. By Shamus A’Rabbitt. Illustrations by Sapajou.

The poet laureate of the China Treaty Ports, Shamus A’Rabbitt caused a sensation in the 1930s with his “Ballads” books, which mocked the world of foreigners in the Orient. His poetic portrayals were sharp, accurate and hilarious. With bouncy, limerickesque rhythms, razor-sharp satirical wit and a healthy distaste for hypocrisy and pretension, Shamus A’Rabbitt’s work today gives the reader a perfect whirlwind tour of the world of Old China.