The Publisher (Poem by C. J. Dennis)

The Publisher

By C. J. Dennis

I'd like to be a publisher, And publish massive tomes

Written in a massive style by blokes with massive domes — 

Science books, and histories of Egypt's day and Rome's,

Books of psycho-surgery to mine the minds of momes,

And solemn pseudo-psychic stuff to tell where Topsy roams

When her poor clay is put away beneath the spreading holms;

Books about electrocuting little seeds with ohms

To sternly show them how to grow in sands, and clays, and loams,

And bravely burst infinitives, like angry agronomes;

Books on breeding aeroplanes and airing aerodromes,

On bees that buzz in bonnets and the kind that build the combs,

Made plain with pretty pictures done in crimsons, mauves, and chromes;

And diagrams to baulk the brain of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

I'd set the scientists to work like superheated gnomes,

And make them write and write and write until the printer foams

And lino men, made "loony", go to psychopathic homes.

I'd publish books, I would — large books on ants and antinomes

And palimpsests and palinodes and pallid pallindromes:

    But I wouldn't be a publisher if....

                  I got many "pomes."

                                     Would you?

Poem Analysis:

C. J. Dennis's poem "The Publisher" humorously satirizes the idea of being a publisher and the types of books that would be produced under such a role. Through witty wordplay and exaggerated imagery, Dennis creates a vivid portrayal of the publishing industry and the eclectic array of literary works that could potentially be brought to life. The poem unfolds as a comical commentary on the challenges and absurdities of publishing, offering insight into the creative process and the whimsical nature of literature.

Satirical Tone and Humor: "The Publisher" is characterized by its satirical tone and humor, which is evident from the outset. Dennis employs playful language and exaggerated descriptions to poke fun at the idea of publishing "massive tomes" written by individuals with "massive domes." The poem's whimsical tone invites readers to laugh at the absurdity of the scenarios presented, while also prompting reflection on the nature of literary creation and publication.

Parody of Academic and Scientific Writing: The poem parodies academic and scientific writing by humorously describing the potential content of the books that would be published. From "science books" and "histories of Egypt's day and Rome's" to "books of psycho-surgery" and "solemn pseudo-psychic stuff," Dennis playfully skewers the conventions of scholarly literature. The absurdity of the topics and the exaggerated language used to describe them serve to highlight the often esoteric and inaccessible nature of academic writing.

Irony and Self-Reflection: Amidst the satire, the poem also contains elements of irony and self-reflection. Despite the narrator's aspirations to become a publisher, there is a sense of self-awareness and doubt underlying the text. The repeated refrain "But I wouldn't be a publisher if... / I got many 'pomes'" underscores the narrator's hesitation and reluctance to engage with certain types of literature, particularly poetry. This ironic twist adds depth to the poem and invites readers to consider the challenges and limitations of creative expression within the publishing industry.

Exploration of Creativity and Artistic Freedom: At its core, "The Publisher" explores themes of creativity and artistic freedom within the realm of literature. While the poem humorously critiques the often pretentious and inaccessible nature of academic writing, it also celebrates the diversity and richness of literary expression. Through its exaggerated descriptions and playful language, the poem highlights the endless possibilities for creative exploration and innovation in the world of publishing.

In conclusion, C. J. Dennis's "The Publisher" is a whimsical and satirical exploration of the publishing industry and the eclectic array of literary works that could potentially be produced. Through its humorous tone and exaggerated imagery, the poem offers insight into the challenges and absurdities of publishing while also celebrating the diversity and creativity inherent in literature.