I first came across Tom Lehrer during my own "Bright College Days" in the 50's. He affected me in ways that no other song writer or entertainer before or since has done. By this, I mean that, at any time and for no apparent reason I am very likely to start singing the lyrics from one of his songs.
For example, every winter when I see the first department store Christmas display, I burst out with "Hark the Herald-Tribune Sings advertising wondrous things. God rest you merry merchants may you make the Yuletide pay." I can't help it, I think that I've been brainwashed. This book is further food for my Lehrer addiction.
If you were to see me in a park where someone is feeding bread crumbs to pigeons you could probably guess what song is on my mind.
I'm always amazed that so many of my contemporaries haven't a clue as to the source of my outbursts. They need this book. I had always thought that Tom Lehrer addiction was universal. Anyone who was around me in those days couldn't avoid being afflicted with Lehreritis.
In speaking of my love for Lehrer's lyrics, I don't want to short change Ronald Searle. His illustrations capture Lehrer's madcap kind of humor. They have just the right amount of irreverence.
I'd like to see this book republished so I could make a pest of myself trying to get all my friends to buy it.