This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/18/rare-poem-worst-poet-auction

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Rare poem by 'world's worst poet' expected to fetch £3,000 at auction Rare poem by 'world's worst poet' expected to fetch £3,000 at auction
(35 minutes later)
One of the unpublished works of a music hall performer from Dundee, who gained infamy as the world's worst poet, is expected to fetch thousands of pounds at auction. One of the unpublished works of a music hall performer from Dundee who gained infamy as the world's worst poet is expected to fetch thousands of pounds at auction.
Edinburgh-born William Topaz McGonagall, a 19th-century weaver and actor who wrote about 200 poems, is widely regarded as the worst poet in English literature.Edinburgh-born William Topaz McGonagall, a 19th-century weaver and actor who wrote about 200 poems, is widely regarded as the worst poet in English literature.
Although he delighted and appalled audiences, who sometimes threw rotten fish at him, his books remain in print and he is still widely quoted, long after his more talented contemporaries have been forgotten Although he delighted and appalled audiences, who sometimes threw rotten fish at him, his books remain in print and he is still widely quoted long after his more talented contemporaries have been forgotten.
He composed Lines, In Praise of The Royal Marriage on 6th June 1893 to celebrate the union of George Albert, Duke of York, the future King George V, to Princess Victoria Mary of Teck. He composed Lines, In Praise of The Royal Marriage on 6th June 1893 to celebrate the union of George Albert, Duke of York, the future King George V, and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck.
The handwritten, previously unpublished manuscript belongs to collector Roy Davids, who is selling his entire collection of poetry. It is expected to fetch £3,000 when at Bonham's in London in May. The handwritten, previously unpublished manuscript belongs to Roy Davids, a collector who is selling his entire hoard of poetry. It is expected to fetch £3,000 at Bonham's in London in May.
Although McGonagall is best known for penning The Tay Bridge Disaster, critics have accused him of being deaf to poetic metaphor and employing inappropriate rhythms that resulted in unintentionally amusing poetry. Critics have accused McGonagall, best known for penning The Tay Bridge Disaster, of being deaf to poetic metaphor and employing inappropriate rhythms that resulted in unintentionally amusing poetry.
In Praise of the Royal MarriageIn Praise of the Royal Marriage
God bless, the lovely, and sweet Princess May, Also, the Duke of York, so handsome and gay.God bless, the lovely, and sweet Princess May, Also, the Duke of York, so handsome and gay.
Long life, and happiness to them, in married life.Long life, and happiness to them, in married life.
May they always, be prosperous and free from strife.May they always, be prosperous and free from strife.
May their hearts, always be full of glee. And, be kind, to each other, and ne'er disagree.May their hearts, always be full of glee. And, be kind, to each other, and ne'er disagree.
And, may the demon, discontent, never mar their happiness.And, may the demon, discontent, never mar their happiness.
And, my God, be their comforter, in time of distress...And, my God, be their comforter, in time of distress...
And, if they have children, may they grow grace.And, if they have children, may they grow grace.
And, be an honour, to the royal race. Of the empress of India, and Great Britain's Queen. Who is faithful to her subjects, and ever has been.And, be an honour, to the royal race. Of the empress of India, and Great Britain's Queen. Who is faithful to her subjects, and ever has been.