The Cyclopeedy by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a man who invents a machine that can travel at incredible speeds, but ultimately loses control of it and crashes, resulting in his own demise. The narrative explores themes of innovation, progress, and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
By Eugene Field · First published 1887 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary · 2,717 words
First lines
Havin' lived next door to the Hobart place f'r goin' on thirty years, I calc'late that I know jest about ez much about the case ez anybody else now on airth, exceptin' perhaps it's ol' Jedge Baker, and he's so plaguy old 'nd so powerful feeble that _he_ don't know nothin'.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cyclopeedy is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1887 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Humor, Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Satire
- Length: 2,717 words
- Structure: 1 section, 50 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cyclopeedy by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Cyclopeedy?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Humor first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Paraphrase Ostensibly By Dr I W by Eugene Field
- The Platonic Bassoon by Eugene Field
- An Imitation Of Dr Watts by Eugene Field
- Societys Next Craze by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- Pernicious Peaches by Oliver Herford
- On Titles by Hilaire Belloc
Genres
- Humor — The narrative employs satire and comedic elements to critique the absurdity of the protagonist's obsession with a cyclopedia.
- Fiction — The story is a fictional account of Leander Hobart's life and his interactions with a book agent, exploring themes of family and societal expectations.
- Social Commentary — The work reflects on social norms, the value placed on knowledge, and the human condition through the lens of a rural community.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's life is marked by a tragic obsession that leads to his ultimate demise, highlighting the futility of his pursuits.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Parody · Reference · Encyclopedia · Fictional · Whimsical · Absurd · Playful · Witty · Irony · Mock-serious