Surname: Lear Forename(s): Edward b. 12 May 1812. d. 29 January 1888. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Poet, composer, and illustrator. Known for nonsense writing, including popularization
of the limerick. Son of Jeremiah and Ann Lear. Well acquainted with Alfred Tennyson
and John Addington Symonds. Educated at home by his mother and sister and had no further
education until he enrolled at Sass’s School of Art when he was 37. Lived in Rome
from 1837-1848. Worked as a sugar refiner and a stockbroker before beginning a career
in illustration. Author of A Book of Nonsense (1846), and illustrated Poems of Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1889). Biographical information: ODNB. (BGL)