Archy and Mehitabel

by Don Marquis
Archy and Mehitabel cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Comedy/Humor
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £14.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8997
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780307830425
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 2012-11-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Archy and Mehitabel is a delightful collection of satirical free-verse poems that first captivated readers in the 1920s. The book features the escapades of Archy, a cockroach with a poetic past, and Mehitabel, a cat who believes she is in her ninth life and was once Cleopatra. Their misadventures are recorded by Archy on his boss's typewriter, offering a humorous and insightful look at life in New York City between the world wars. The poems, originally published in Don Marquis's newspaper columns, have become a celebrated part of American literary history./n/nThe book is not just a collection of humorous poems but also a social commentary on the era. Archy's observations and Mehitabel's antics provide a unique perspective on the human condition, blending wit and wisdom in a way that continues to resonate with readers today. The illustrations accompanying the poems add an extra layer of charm, making Archy and Mehitabel a timeless classic.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-24
enjoyable 4.50

The collection is a delightful read, perfect for picking up occasionally. The poems are witty and charming, making it a timeless piece.

This book is a treasure trove of short, whimsical poems that can be enjoyed in small doses. The characters, especially Archy the cockroach and Mehitabel the cat, bring a unique charm to the collection. The wit and humor are timeless, making it a book that can be picked up and enjoyed at any moment. The poems are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the lives of these unconventional characters. It's a book that will leave you smiling and wanting more.

Quick quotes

    A very enjoyable collection of 'bite-sized' poems that is a good 'pick up once in a while' book.

    I was first exposed to Archy and Mehitabel in high school but I still enjoy it years later.

    The wit of Marquis inspires as much as it entertains.

Stuck in a Book · 2015-04-26
charming 4.75

The book is a charming and whimsical read, with Mehitabel the cat being a standout character. The poems are a delightful mix of humor and wit.

This little book is a gem, filled with charming and whimsical poems that bring to life the unconventional characters of Archy the cockroach and Mehitabel the cat. Mehitabel, in particular, steals the show with her larger-than-life personality and antics. The poems are a delightful mix of humor and wit, offering a unique perspective on life as seen through the eyes of these unlikely heroes. The book is a perfect pick-me-up, offering moments of laughter and reflection. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Marquis's work, which continues to captivate readers with its timeless charm.

Quick quotes

    This little book contains. The cockroach is Archy; Mehitabel is a cat, and (unsurprisingly) my favourite of the few characters which enter the scene.

    The poems are a delightful mix of humor and wit, offering a unique perspective on life.

    The book is a perfect pick-me-up, offering moments of laughter and reflection.

Fiddlrts Blog · 2013-01-20
timeless 4.50

Archy's poems are a unique blend of humor and philosophy, offering a fresh perspective on life. The book is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers.

Archy, a cockroach with a poetic soul, brings a unique blend of humor and philosophy to the page. His poems offer a fresh perspective on life, blending wit with a touch of sadness. The book is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into the lives of these unconventional characters. The poems are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making it a book that can be enjoyed time and time again. The enduring appeal of Archy and Mehitabel lies in their ability to capture the essence of life in all its complexity, making it a book that will leave a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Archy is a cockroach who was a free verse poet in a previous life.

    As punishment for his abandonment of classical forms, he is condemned to live as a despised insect.

    The poems are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making it a book that can be enjoyed time and time again.

The Christian Science Monitor · 2012-01-05
entertaining 4.00

The wit of Marquis is both inspiring and entertaining, with many reader reviews also in verse. The book is a delightful collection that brings joy and laughter.

Many of Amazon's reader reviews of this book are also in verse, proving that the wit of Marquis inspires as much as it entertains. The book is a charming and whimsical collection of poems that bring to life the antics of a cockroach and a cat. The humor is timeless, and the poems are a delight to read. The book has a way of bringing joy and laughter, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a good laugh. The wit and cleverness of the poems are sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.

Quick quotes

    Many of Amazon's reader reviews of this book are also in verse, proving that the wit of Marquis inspires as much as it entertains.

    The book is a charming and whimsical collection of poems that bring to life the antics of a cockroach and a cat.

    The humor is timeless, and the poems are a delight to read.

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