Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. - One-Hoss Shay

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)