SOURCE: "In Nick-of-Time Rhyme," in The New York Times Book Review, November 19, 1950, p. 4.

Below, Frankenberg analyzes Nash's theme of family as addressed in Family Reunion, and comments upon his irregular use of meter.

At first glance there is no resemblance between Family Reunion, Ogden Nash's latest collection of verses, and T. S. Eliot's play of some years back, The Family Reunion. With second sight, however, and something of a shiver, I have apprehended the striking of at least one identical theme: "I regret that before people can be reformed they have to be sinners."

The theme is struck, yes; so hard it never shows its head again. For Nash's development of this theme is another story; a plangent tangent: "And that before you have pianists in the family you have to have beginners."

Nash's development is always another story. It may be the story of the little boy...