Archy and Mehitabel

by Don Marquis
Archy and Mehitabel cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Comedy/Humor
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £14.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8997
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780307830425
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 2012-11-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Archy and Mehitabel is a beloved illustrated classic that brings to life the whimsical and satirical world of Archy, a cockroach with a poetic soul, and Mehitabel, a cat who believes she is in her ninth life. Originally published in Don Marquis's newspaper columns in 1916, these free-verse poems capture the essence of New York City between the world wars, blending humor and philosophy in a unique and engaging way. Archy, who was a poet in a previous life, and Mehitabel, who claims to have been Cleopatra, share their adventures and observations, providing a humorous and insightful commentary on life and society. The book is a celebrated part of the twentieth-century American literary canon, known for its wit, charm, and timeless appeal. It offers a delightful escape into a world where the lowest creatures on the social scale offer profound insights and humorous commentary on the human condition. First published in 1927, Archy and Mehitabel continues to captivate readers with its unique blend of humor, philosophy, and satire.

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.

Appears in Lists