The Land of Far-Beyond - Hardcover

Blyton, Enid

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0416765203 ISBN 13: 9780416765205

Publisher: Methuen, 1973

Synopsis

Why is it that Enid Blyton's The Land of Far-Beyond (1942) has received so little recognition? It is an unusual and eye-opening book that is based on a classic and should, in my opinion, be viewed as a children's classic in its own right. Perhaps the fact that it was written by Enid Blyton, whose writing has been misunderstood and undervalued by critics, is the problem. If it were the work of another author, such as C.S. Lewis for example, more attention would surely have been paid to it. Indeed, Lewis' Narnia series (published between 1950 and 1956) is a Christian allegory rather like the The Land of Far-Beyond but it is far more well-known. Lewis' characters, like Blyton's, have to endure many trials and tribulations before gaining eternal life, and one of the children in the Narnia books (Susan), like several of Blyton's characters, falls by the wayside and does not enter paradise with the others. The Land of Far-Beyond is loosely modelled on John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress (1678). Both are allegories, or narratives with a moral meaning. They revolve around a journey that is spiritual as well as physical - a journey from sin to salvation.

About this title

About the Author

Enid Blyton's books have sold over 500 million copies and have been translated into other languages more often than any other children's author. She wrote over 600 books and hundreds of short stories, including favourites such as The Famous Five,The Secret Seven, The Magic Faraway Tree, Malory Towers and Noddy. Born in London in 1897, Enid lived much of her life in Buckinghamshire and adored dogs, gardening and the countryside. She died in 1968 but remains one of the world's best-loved storytellers.

Review

Much credit to Hodder Books for bringing back into print some of Enid Blyton's own titles in very fine hardback editions The Irish Catholic

Edition details

• Publisher: Methuen
• Publication date: 1973
• ISBN 10: 0416765203
• ISBN 13: 9780416765205
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 160