The One-Hoss Shay

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809 - 1894)

This is a small collection of whimsical poems by the American physician and author Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. "The Deacon's Masterpiece" describes the "logical" outcome of building an object (in this case, a two-wheeled carriage called a shay) that has no weak points. The economic term "one hoss shay," referring to a certain model of depreciation, derives its name from this poem. "How the Old Horse Won the Bet" is a lighthearted look at a horse race. Finally, "The Broomstick Train" is a wonderfully Halloween-y explanation of how an electric tram really works. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)

Genre(s): Humorous Fiction, Poetry

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 00 Preface Laurie Anne Walden
00:03:28
Play 01 Deacon's Masterpiece, The, or The Wonderful One Hoss Shay Laurie Anne Walden
00:05:39
Play 02 How the Old Horse Won the Bet Laurie Anne Walden
00:08:37
Play 03 Broomstick Train, The, or The Return of the Witches Laurie Anne Walden
00:06:45