The Phoenix and the Carpet (Puffin Classics) - Softcover

Nesbit, E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 014036739X ISBN 13: 9780140367393

Publisher: Puffin, 1996

Synopsis

After they discover a mysterious phoenix egg wrapped in a magic wish carpet, Robert, Anthea, Cyril, and Jane embark on a series of adventures in which anything is possible

About this title

About the Author:

Edith Nesbit (1858 – 1924), was a mischievous, tomboyish child who grew up to be an unconventional adult. She and her husband were founder members of the socialist Fabian Society and their home became a centre for socialist and literary discussion. Their friends included some of the time’s greatest writers and thinkers, including George Bernard Shaw and H. G. Wells.

Everything about Edith showed her as a woman trying to break out of the mould demanded by English society at the time – she expressed her individuality through her clothes, hairstyle, lifestyle and her habit of speaking forcefully on almost any subject. She lived her socialism and late in life her charitable deeds brought her close to bankrupcy.

E. Nesbit – she always used the plain initial for her writing and was sometimes thought to be a man – started to write for children after years of successful writing for adult magazines. She was asked to write about her childhood but instead of facts chose to describe her happy girlhood in fiction. The result was books still read today, firm bestsellers for decades. She was brilliant at combining real-life situations with elements of fantasy and humour. Films –such as The Railway Children - have kept her stories in the public eye and her magical fantasies, including Five Children and It, continue to delight each new generation of children.

From AudioFile:

Four British children acquire a magic carpet and embark on a series of adventures, most of which don't turn out as planned. Although the style and setting are dated, the writing is witty and displays a genuine, timeless sympathy with childish sensibilities. Ward's reading is something short of fully voiced but is very listenable. Her voice is pleasant; her tone and pacing are good. Don't use this selection to recruit new audiobook fans from the ranks of Saturday morning cartoon devotees. But the child who is ready for rich language, a slow pace, and gentle humor will find it a pleasant diversion. J.N. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Puffin
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 014036739X
• ISBN 13: 9780140367393
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304
• Illustrator: Millar H. R.