Introduction
The tale of the Three Wise Men of Gotham is an important part of British culture because the village of Gotham in Nottinghamshire not only appears in classic English folklore, but also inspired the name for Batman’s Gotham City, making it relevant to modern pop culture. Nottinghamshire is also known worldwide as the home of the Robin Hood legend, linking this region to some of history’s and popular culture’s most famous heroes. It’s important for modern kids to know this poem because it connects them to centuries-old traditions, helps them understand how local stories can shape global icons, and shows how legends from the past still influence the movies, comics, and heroes they enjoy today.
Knowledge Builder
Content
In this video, we explore the historical context, words, and meaning of the nursery rhyme "Three Wise Men of Gotham".
1.1: Three Wise Men of Gotham
1.2: Quiz: Background and analysis
1.3: Three Wise Men of Gotham: Read Along
Instructor
Michael Pratt PhD, JD
Michael Pratt has been an assiduous reader since childhood, ever since he bought a used copy of Oscar Williams’ anthology Immortal Poems of the English Language on a whim. That early curiosity sparked a lifelong love of literature and learning.
He earned his Ph.D. in Spanish literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and later a law degree from Temple University. He has worked in multiple professional capacities, including as a professor in the Department of Romance Languages at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and as a trial attorney in Philadelphia, bringing both intellectual rigor and practical insight to his work.
Michael’s passions are wide-ranging: from history and literature, ancient and modern, to science and natural history, with a particular fascination for the lives of birds. He has studied and lived abroad for extended periods in Spain, Mexico, Vietnam, and China, experiences that have deeply shaped his worldview and understanding of culture.
Through his English translations and recitations of Chinese classical poetry, Michael helps Ming Aretê users connect with the timeless beauty and emotional depth of Chinese poetry, allowing them to appreciate its cultural richness beyond language.
- Juris Doctor (JD) – Temple University Beasley School of Law, 2004
- Ph.D – Spanish – University of Wisconsin- Madison,1994
- Master of Arts – Spanish – University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1989