One-Hoss Shay, The by HOLMES, SR., Oliver Wendell

This is a small collection of whimsical poems by the American physician and author Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. The Deacons 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)