Synopsis
A boy must try to save a kingdom when the king, preoccupied by unrequited love, ignores the threat of war.
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Reviews
Grade 5-9-- By virtue of his ability to read Latin, young Clemmy is compelled to come to the aid of the hapless King Fernholz of Mulberia. Most of the king's subjects have fled because of rumors of an imminent invasion of Turks, but Fernholz is only concerned with wooing Libby, a beautiful young lady who has thus far soundly rejected his proposals. The resourceful Clemmy finds himself trying to convince Libby to wed the monarch while simultaneously holding off the whole Turkish army. He does this with some aid from the Book of Imperfect Prayer, which grants wishes, but never quite in the way that is hoped for. Further complications ensue as Clemmy falls in love with Libby. Full of humorous and satirical elements, the fast-paced plot is involving, with many twists and surprises. Occasionally, the tongue-in-cheek narration intrudes too much, distancing readers; however, for the most part the balance between comedy and drama is maintained. Supporting characters are distinctive and well drawn, from Clemmy's good-hearted, kleptomaniac mother to Magnus, the peace-loving shepherd and one and only member of the king's army. Although not quite as memorable, this fine first novel will appeal to fans of Babbitt's The Search for Delicious (Farrar, 1969), Yolen's Wizard's Hall (HBJ, 1991), and many of Lloyd Alexander's historical fantasies. --Steven Engelfried, Alameda County Library, CA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This overly elaborate fairy tale concerns a foolish king obsessed with a lady ("I love her like a madman") who does not return his affections. The besotted ruler ignores the invading army of Turks outside his castle; seeks the magical, less than successful prayers of a blind wise man and a steadfast farmer in an attempt to win the lady's favor; and gets involved in a host of other subplots. Kisling's narrative rattles along in a loose, unconvincing manner, finally lurching to an unsatisfying and predictable conclusion. The author throws too many balls into the air and crams too many cliches into too short a tale. Further, he fails to infuse the story's disparate elements with any sense of wonder. Lloyd Alexander remains the undisputed champion of this kind of romp. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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The Fools' War
Published by
Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1992
ISBN 10: 0060208368
ISBN 13: 9780060208363
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Seller: Blue Vase Books, Interlochen, MI, U.S.A.
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Condition: good. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials. Seller Inventory # BVV.0060208368.G
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The Fools' War
Published by
Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1992
ISBN 10: 0060208368
ISBN 13: 9780060208363
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Condition: good. Befriedigend/Good: Durchschnittlich erhaltenes Buch bzw. Schutzumschlag mit Gebrauchsspuren, aber vollständigen Seiten. / Describes the average WORN book or dust jacket that has all the pages present. Seller Inventory # M00060208368-G
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The Fool's War
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Harper Collins, New York, 1992
ISBN 10: 0060208368
ISBN 13: 9780060208363
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Seller: About Books, Henderson, NV, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Fine condition. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine dust jacket. Koelsch, Michael (jacket art) (illustrator). First Printing of the First Edition. New York: Harper Collins, 1992. Fine condition in Near Fine dust jacket. Not price clipped ($14.00). No chips. No tears. Small remainder mark on bottom edge. No owner's name or bookplate. No underlining. No highlighting. No margin notes. Bright, clean, square, tight, unmarked. Sharp corners. "First Edition" is so stated, with complete number row (10 987654321) on the copyright page. Fantasy aimed at young adult readers, ages 10 and up. Summary: "A boy must try to save a kingdom when the king, preoccupied by unrequited love, ignores the threat of war." Bound in the original green boards and maroon cloth spine. Complete with dust jacket. First Printing of the First Edition. Hardcover. Fine condition/Near Fine dust jacket. Illus. by Koelsch, Michael (jacket art). 8vo. 166pp. Great Packaging, Fast Shipping. Seller Inventory # 002063
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THE FOOLS' WAR
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NY: HarperCollins, 1992, 1992
ISBN 10: 0060208368
ISBN 13: 9780060208363
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Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Hard Cover. Fine in a FINE Dustjacket. First Edition, first Printing. "A boy must try to save a kingdom when the king, preoccupied by unrequited love, ignores the threat of war.". Seller Inventory # 01628
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The Fools' War
Published by
HarperCollins, New York, 1992
ISBN 10: 0060208368
ISBN 13: 9780060208363
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Ex library hardback: nice dj (has a library barcode on the back), lightly foxed on the reverse, some tape peeling on the reverse and on the covers, a few library stamps are inked out in red (including on top and bottom page edges), very slight foredge foxing, else vg. 8vo, 178pp. A boy must try to save a kingdom when the king, preoccupied by unrequited love, ignores the threat of war. Seller Inventory # 17B132
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The Fools' War
Published by
Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1992
ISBN 10: 0060208368
ISBN 13: 9780060208363
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Hardcover. Condition: New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! Seller Inventory # Q-0060208368