Water-Babies: A Fairy-Tale for a Land-Baby - Hardcover

Kingsley, Charles

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0460050370 ISBN 13: 9780460050371

Publisher: J M Dent & Sons Ltd, 1983

Synopsis

Embarrassed by his grimy appearance in the presence of an immaculate little girl, ten-year-old Tom—an ill-treated London chimney-sweep—promptly runs away. Diving into a river, he enters a magical underwater world where he meets wee creatures of the deep, and learns about goodness, fairness, and "right and wrong." Young readers will find themselves anticipating with pleasure the frequent appearances of such enchanting characters as Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby, a fairy queen who takes many forms in the course of the tale.
Charles Kingsley's story of the virtues of good conduct and useful living was one of the English clergyman's many tales that were meant to draw attention to the evils of nineteenth-century life—among them, enforced child labor. From its poignant look at a young sweep's grim life to its intriguing philosophy on the nature of fairies, the book can be read and re-read from childhood to old age. Immensely popular when first published in book form in 1863—it was originally serialized—this beloved classic will captivate today's readers as much as it stirred imaginations well over a century ago.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Among the most popular children’s books of the Victorian period, The Water-Babies continues to delight readers of all ages. It tells the story of a young boy named Tom, who escapes his harsh life as a chimney sweep by being transformed into a “water-baby.” His adventures underwater introduce him to strange animals, gentle fairies, and exotic seascapes, and Kingsley frequently digresses from the mythical narrative with his commentary on political and scientific topics. Many of Linley Sambourne’s remarkable illustrations from the 1886 edition are included in the text of the novel.

This Broadview edition reproduces the first edition of The Water-Babies, published in 1863. The appendices include a broad selection of other 19th-century children’s literature and excerpts from Kingsley’s essays on evolution, hygiene, and education.

About the Author

CHARLES KINGSLEY (1819-1875), born in Devonshire, England, was a clergyman, novelist, and poet who began writing when he was five years old. He was much involved in the social reform movements of his time. His best-known works are Westward Ho! and the children's fantasy The Water-Babies.

About this edition

• Publisher: J M Dent & Sons Ltd
• Publication date: 1983
• ISBN 10: 0460050370
• ISBN 13: 9780460050371
• Binding: Hardcover