Young Merlin

San Souci, Robert D. Illustrated by Daniel Horne

ISBN 10: 0385248008 / ISBN 13: 9780385248006

Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 1990

About this Item

26 pages. Children's picture book with illustrations in color. 11.25 x 9 inches. First edition (first printing). Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Short tear to one edge. Inscribed by the author at length in the year of publication. Seller Inventory # 98357

Bibliographic Details

Title: Young Merlin

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 1990

Binding: Hardcover

Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: First Edition.

About this title

Synopsis:

Follows young Merlin's life from his birth to a human mother and non-human father, through his life as an orphan and the emergence of his prophetic powers, to his near-fatal encounter with King Vortigern

From School Library Journal:

Another version of the childhood story of Merlin. Pamela Service's Wizard of Wind and Rock (Atheneum, 1990) is a retelling more notable for its colorful, cartoonlike illustrations than its text, and is aimed at primary-grade readers. This new collaboration is for somewhat older readers, more romantic in the illustrative style, and more detailed and lyrical in text. It is handsomely designed, offering intriguing perspectives, subtle lines, and warm, deep colors, giving the illustrations a softer look. Text and pictures are well balanced; elegant touches include illuminated capitals and royal purple endpapers. The plot framework is the same as Service's, but this narrative includes more incidental detail and a greater number of secondary characters, adding to the story's interest. Background details are set in the medieval period, which is later than historically accurate, but authentic to longstanding convention for this literature. At the story's end, Stonehenge is introduced as a memorial to Arthur's uncle Aurelius, a memorial set in place by Merlin's magic. Service's version and this one give each other a context, which may help them both find readerships. Now all that's needed is a version of Arthur's own story, suitable for younger readers, faithful to the original, and as well presented as Young Merlin. A good choice for reading aloud or for individual enjoyment. --Barbara Hutcheson, Greater Victoria Public Library, B.C., Canada
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.