Poisoning Pigeons in the Park

This book will be available May 2025

About the Book: 

Poisoning Pigeons in the Park brings Tom Lehrer into 2023 with this fantastic new collection of the best, funniest and darkest songs from his career – alongside newly created illustrations by the talented Bob Dewar.

From ‘Ivy League alma maters’ to ‘It makes a fellow proud to be a soldier’, these hilariously dark songs will keep you on your toes as you make your way through his ever-familiar and present work. Using familiar favourite tunes as their backing, with an index from the author, this book will be the best way for anyone to enjoy Lehrer’s songs.

With building political tension around the world, Lehrer’s satiric songs will provide comfort to those who need it. It will not only be a hit with fans of Lehrer’s work but newer fans of black humour in general. Additionally, those who follow Bob Dewar’s work will also be keen to see how he illustrates Lehrer’s songs.

Reviews: 

Tom Lehrer, in my opinion, is the cleverest and funniest man of the 20th century. DANIEL RADCLIFF, The Graham Norton Show

Mr Lehrer's muse is not fettered by such inhibiting factors as taste. THE NEW YORK TIMES

A tickle to the conscience rather than brutal assault. THE HERALD

He is the greatest comedy song writer of all time. ADAM KAY, BBC Desert Island Discs

About the Author:

TOM LEHRER is an American musician and singer-songwriter.

In the 1950s-60s he recorded many satiric and humorous songs that became popular. Whilst his songs often used popular music forms of the time, he also wrote original melodies. Tom commonly deals with dark humour and taboo subjects. He produced songs about political and current issues, particularly for the television show That Was the Week That Was.

In the 1970s Tom retired from song-writing – finally declaring that satire was dead when he heard that Kissinger had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – to become a professor of mathematics and musical theatre history at the University of California. He also taught at Harvard University and MIT. Since his retirement, Tom has rarely made a public appearance.

BOB DEWAR was born in Edinburgh at an early age. 16 years later he was published nationally. He worked in D.C. Thomson’s studio where, among other things, he ghosted Dennis the Menace. After going freelance, he did political and social commentary for The Scotsman newspaper. He has illustrated books for the children’s and English Speaking Departments of Oxford University Press, Fife Educational Social Development, A&C Black and many Scottish publishers – Birlinn, Luath, Black & White and Itchy Coo. His work has also appeared in The Times, The Herald, Scottish Field and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.