Items related to Tales of the Early World
Synopsis
Book by Hughes, Ted, Hughes, ALLEN
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3 Up-- Hughes's stories result from imagination playing at the edges and in the gaps of Biblical narrative. There is a touch of "Just-so" etiology, and even an allusion to a famous Zen koan (the man who dreams he is a butterfly). Creation is the subject of each tale, but the creator God is hardly omniscient and far from omnipotent. He works obsessively but doesn't always get it right, gets frustrated and cross, is perplexed and surprised by bits of creation that "just seem to turn up." He has considerable trouble bringing Woman to life, and the advent of the flea baffles and terrifies him. When God tries to make a Dancer, he first produces Cat; then, on a second try, Mouse (hence, their rivalry). When Woman wants a playmate, God comes up with the uncontrollable Gorilla, so Woman helps God imagine the perfect playmate--Horse. The unpredictability of creation is as much a part of the poetry of this book as the lively, precise language. There are also Davidson's stylish, Bewick-like engravings. These stories are not sweet or reverent, but buoyant and unexpected and utterly engaging. There is wisdom here, but it's not neat or trite; like the creative process Hughes depicts, you've got to work at it to get it. --Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Publishers Weekly
Like a cross between Kipling's Just So Stories and Twain's Letters to the Earth , these 10 original and imaginative creation tales by England's poet laureate will appeal to adults and children alike. Hughes's God spends considerable time trying to straighten out His mistakes. By accidentally breathing life into a miniature trunk made from leftover elephant clay, God fashions the earthworm. A half-done creature left unattended is saved by God's mother, who lends the turkey-footed bird a beautiful shawl, thus creating the peacock. Hughes's brave new world includes a fortune-telling moon that "was actually a smile without a face" and "lay on the sea's rim like a face on a pillow," mountains that dance, a black hole that consumes the songs of birds, and creatures that definitely have minds of their own. Davidson's engravings depict a multitude of animal life, and his striking black cover--adorned with the yellow eyes of creatures yet to be made--is perfect for a book of myths that sparkle with drama, humor, pathos and beauty. All ages.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherFaber & Faber
- Publication date1988
- ISBN 10 0571151264
- ISBN 13 9780571151264
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages121
- IllustratorDavidson Andrew
- Rating
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Tales of the Early World
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR004379470
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Tales of the Early World
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
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Hardback. Condition: Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR004380352
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Tales of the Early World
Published by
Faber & Faber 11/07/1988, 1988
ISBN 10: 0571151264
ISBN 13: 9780571151264
Used
Hardcover
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780571151264
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Tales of the Early World
Published by
Faber & Faber 11/07/1988, 1988
ISBN 10: 0571151264
ISBN 13: 9780571151264
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780571151264
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Tales of the Early World
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Condition: Very Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). Book is in Used-VeryGood condition. Pages and cover are clean and intact. Used items may not include supplementary materials such as CDs or access codes. May show signs of minor shelf wear and contain very limited notes and highlighting. 0.62. Seller Inventory # 0571151264-2-3
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Tales of the Early World
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Condition: Very Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). Ships from the UK. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 50371886-20
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Tales of the Early World
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Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3793520
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Tales of the Early World
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Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # 4601612
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Tales of the Early World
Published by
Faber & Faber, 1911
ISBN 10: 0571151264
ISBN 13: 9780571151264
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Chaparral Books, Portland, OR, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Davidson, Andrew (illustrator). First Edition. The binding is tight, corners sharp. Remainder mark on bottom edge. Dj lightly shelf worn with small scuffs & scratches. Dust jacket in a mylar cover. Seller Inventory # JCOShugTEW
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Tales of the Early World
Published by
Faber & Faber, London, 1988
ISBN 10: 0571151264
ISBN 13: 9780571151264
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Montreal Books, Westmount, QC, Canada
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. Andrew Davidson (illustrator). 1st Edition. A fine copy. Book. Seller Inventory # 506187
Quantity: 1 available