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The Sleeping Beauty
A series with silk-ribbon markers and headbands, gold stamping on front and spine, and the original colour illustrations on the jackets. First published in 1919, this version of the story of the Sleeping Beauty was written specially for Arthur Rackham, whose silhouette drawings are reproduced here.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1919
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 19, 2019
This year when searching for dog 🐕 centered books that are classic or older stories, I found Christopher Morley's Where the Blue Begins. Having read his "Parnassus on Wheels" & " The Haunted Bookshop", I knew that I probably would enjoy this but not knowing the storyline, except that on the cover a dog is wearing a suit. When I started to read this 1922 published book, at first I thought Gissing was a man but soon found out his a canine. If you read his "Parnassus on Wheels", you would know that George Gissing is a favorite author of his and naming a dog 🐕 after an author is not uncommon phenomenon for him. I always get a kick when I actually hear Morley's voice on radio quiz show, "Information Please", where he is a fairly frequent guest. (I just had to add that, LOL).
As I read this novella, my mind changed from at the very start, thinking this is a children's book that was engaging to this is a kind of a complex quirky story about finding the meaning of life. My final analysis is that this story can be read to children but many things will not be understood by them and the adult can read and appreciate this story completely but like life questions are not always answered. This could also be a Christmas read because there is a little Christmas in between the pages but it is more a spiritual read done quite cleverly. Wondering and questioning things pertaining to God and religion is sprinkled throughout, as well as what Freedom is in life. Gissing questions his bachelor life without care after a trio of puppies, he found changes his life. He has always wondered about the BLUE HORIZON and wanting to chase it because he thinks that will bring him the answers, he needs. He goes off into different adventures which he thinks he finds the happiness he seeks but soon finds his enthusiasm brings things to an end. The society is all dogs in NYC, New Jersey and Atlantic City, where the people are is up to your conjecture. The ending was perfect IMO but to tell more would spoil this dog's story.
The story in short- Gissing enjoys his single life and finding three abandoned male puppies brings them home.
I did not read this edition but I read a collection of Christopher Morley work which has highlights and notes if you are interested.
"Gissing stood, quivering with emotion. Joy such as he had never known darted through all the cords of his body. He ran, shouting, in mirth and terror. In fear, in a passion of love and knowledge and understanding, he abased himself and yearned before this marvel. Impossible to have conceived, yet, once seen, utterly satisfying and the fulfilment of all needs. He laughed and leaped and worshipped. When the first transport was over, he laid his head against this being's knee, he nestled there and was content."
"You suggest that all the conditions of life at sea, our mastery of the forces of Nature, and so on, seem to show that we have perfect freedom of will, and adapt everything to our desires. I believe just the contrary. The forces of Nature compel us to approach them in their own way, otherwise we are shipwrecked. It is in the conditions of Nature that this ship should reach port in eight days, otherwise we should get nowhere. We do it because it is our destiny."
I look forward to reading Morley again and I am quite certain it will be an enjoyable ride. I hope that he looks down on us terrestrial beings and finds pleasure that his works are still adored and read, as he thought of the works by other past authors he loved to read while alive were enjoyed and treasured by himself.💖💜💕
As I read this novella, my mind changed from at the very start, thinking this is a children's book that was engaging to this is a kind of a complex quirky story about finding the meaning of life. My final analysis is that this story can be read to children but many things will not be understood by them and the adult can read and appreciate this story completely but like life questions are not always answered. This could also be a Christmas read because there is a little Christmas in between the pages but it is more a spiritual read done quite cleverly. Wondering and questioning things pertaining to God and religion is sprinkled throughout, as well as what Freedom is in life. Gissing questions his bachelor life without care after a trio of puppies, he found changes his life. He has always wondered about the BLUE HORIZON and wanting to chase it because he thinks that will bring him the answers, he needs. He goes off into different adventures which he thinks he finds the happiness he seeks but soon finds his enthusiasm brings things to an end. The society is all dogs in NYC, New Jersey and Atlantic City, where the people are is up to your conjecture. The ending was perfect IMO but to tell more would spoil this dog's story.
The story in short- Gissing enjoys his single life and finding three abandoned male puppies brings them home.
I did not read this edition but I read a collection of Christopher Morley work which has highlights and notes if you are interested.
"Gissing stood, quivering with emotion. Joy such as he had never known darted through all the cords of his body. He ran, shouting, in mirth and terror. In fear, in a passion of love and knowledge and understanding, he abased himself and yearned before this marvel. Impossible to have conceived, yet, once seen, utterly satisfying and the fulfilment of all needs. He laughed and leaped and worshipped. When the first transport was over, he laid his head against this being's knee, he nestled there and was content."
"You suggest that all the conditions of life at sea, our mastery of the forces of Nature, and so on, seem to show that we have perfect freedom of will, and adapt everything to our desires. I believe just the contrary. The forces of Nature compel us to approach them in their own way, otherwise we are shipwrecked. It is in the conditions of Nature that this ship should reach port in eight days, otherwise we should get nowhere. We do it because it is our destiny."
I look forward to reading Morley again and I am quite certain it will be an enjoyable ride. I hope that he looks down on us terrestrial beings and finds pleasure that his works are still adored and read, as he thought of the works by other past authors he loved to read while alive were enjoyed and treasured by himself.💖💜💕
January 2, 2017
While I do prefer Charles Perrault's version, I liked the illustrations and this adaptation is definitely more appropriate for today's children.
May 18, 2013
So enjoyed this book by Christopher Morley. What started out as the story of anthropomorphized dog, Mr. Gissing, living his life in an ordinary way and turned into Gissing's search for truth, God, and the meaning of life was a truly great read. Philosophy, religion, humor, and insight all combined in one book. Wonderful.
I'd recommend this book highly to readers who enjoy thinking about life and it's purpose. "Where the Blue Begins" can be read by various readers with different levels of understanding, as it can read on several terms. One can read it as a child would, or one can read it as a philosopher might.
Enjoy!!
I'd recommend this book highly to readers who enjoy thinking about life and it's purpose. "Where the Blue Begins" can be read by various readers with different levels of understanding, as it can read on several terms. One can read it as a child would, or one can read it as a philosopher might.
Enjoy!!
August 2, 2019
And so on to the next Everyman Library children's classic this time the famous story of Sleeping Beauty.
There are two things that strike me about this book - the first is the subtle and understated artwork which is adorned throughout the book - mainly silhouettes some few a few coloured highlights they all convey the magic and fantasy that is the story of sleeping beauty.
the other thing - and I think I find this repeatedly (but it does not stop me from being amazing and fascinated by it) is that so many stories I think I know so well has aspects that I just do not remember or realised.
This book is a perfect example of this misplaced memory of the story - something that surprised and entertained me and I am sure I will find many more examples of as well as I continue reading through this series.
There are two things that strike me about this book - the first is the subtle and understated artwork which is adorned throughout the book - mainly silhouettes some few a few coloured highlights they all convey the magic and fantasy that is the story of sleeping beauty.
the other thing - and I think I find this repeatedly (but it does not stop me from being amazing and fascinated by it) is that so many stories I think I know so well has aspects that I just do not remember or realised.
This book is a perfect example of this misplaced memory of the story - something that surprised and entertained me and I am sure I will find many more examples of as well as I continue reading through this series.
July 5, 2010
This was strange -- dogs who were "human" -- but the focus of the story, Mr Gissing, left home and worked in the city, was a lay reader, was on a ship, and eventually ended up at home -- all while trying to find where he would be happy -- the blue horizon tempting him -- i'm really not sure of the purpose of the story -- if there was one, I did not "get it."
February 16, 2016
La historia es preciosa pero las ilustraciones son lo mejor con diferencia. Toda una obra de arte.
February 14, 2024
Good version
I have never read the original, but I know bits and pieces from various versions. This was a quick version of a familiar tale. I wish the Kindle Edition included the photos.
I have never read the original, but I know bits and pieces from various versions. This was a quick version of a familiar tale. I wish the Kindle Edition included the photos.
August 14, 2016
Genial and Accomplished
Christopher Morley, (1890-1957), is remembered primarily as an essayist, novelist and poet whose most well known works, ("Parnassus on Wheels" and "The Haunted Bookshop"), followed the experiences of bookseller Roger Mifflin. He was one of the founders of "The Saturday Review of Books", and collaborated with the likes of Don Marquis, (of "Archy and Mehitabel" fame), and Ogden Nash. He was very much a man of his literary, New York City times and was known to be gregarious and good humored. All of that is abundantly evident in this book, which is a testament to his enduring appeal.
"Where the Blue Begins" was written in 1922, a few years after the Mifflin novels, and is generally categorized as a "satirical novel", but that's a bit harsh given its rather genial tone. The characters are all recognizable human types, but presented in the physical guise of dogs. This allows for a great deal of sly humor involving tale wagging, wet noses, and the like, and some even more subtle jokes allowing dog species to stand in as character comments; (what species of dog would you choose to be the local vicar?). When you think about it, T.S. Eliot did the same sort of thing for cats, and I'd actually read Henry James if it had more cows and horses.
Anyway, our hero, Gissing, goes gallivanting off to seek new horizons, (where the blue begins), and has adventures. The results are amusing and instructive. This can be read as a child's adventure tale or as a more serious contemplative work, depending on one's inclinations and situation.
However you approach it, this is an accomplished work by a gifted author at the height of his powers. It suffers not at all from being dated; it may even work better now for that reason. Certainly a cheerful choice as a why-not? flyer.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to the publisher of this book.
Christopher Morley, (1890-1957), is remembered primarily as an essayist, novelist and poet whose most well known works, ("Parnassus on Wheels" and "The Haunted Bookshop"), followed the experiences of bookseller Roger Mifflin. He was one of the founders of "The Saturday Review of Books", and collaborated with the likes of Don Marquis, (of "Archy and Mehitabel" fame), and Ogden Nash. He was very much a man of his literary, New York City times and was known to be gregarious and good humored. All of that is abundantly evident in this book, which is a testament to his enduring appeal.
"Where the Blue Begins" was written in 1922, a few years after the Mifflin novels, and is generally categorized as a "satirical novel", but that's a bit harsh given its rather genial tone. The characters are all recognizable human types, but presented in the physical guise of dogs. This allows for a great deal of sly humor involving tale wagging, wet noses, and the like, and some even more subtle jokes allowing dog species to stand in as character comments; (what species of dog would you choose to be the local vicar?). When you think about it, T.S. Eliot did the same sort of thing for cats, and I'd actually read Henry James if it had more cows and horses.
Anyway, our hero, Gissing, goes gallivanting off to seek new horizons, (where the blue begins), and has adventures. The results are amusing and instructive. This can be read as a child's adventure tale or as a more serious contemplative work, depending on one's inclinations and situation.
However you approach it, this is an accomplished work by a gifted author at the height of his powers. It suffers not at all from being dated; it may even work better now for that reason. Certainly a cheerful choice as a why-not? flyer.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to the publisher of this book.
July 29, 2009
It took me two tries to get into this novel. On the first go, I was brought up short by the realization that it depicts a society exactly like ours (circa 1922, when the book was published), save that all the people are dogs. I rolled my eyes, and the book came perilously close to getting tossed on the giveaway pile after the first chapter. Thankfully I tried again a few weeks later, and the second time the conceit didn't seem annoyingly precious, just quirky and funny. Here is the main character, Gissing, offering a visiting curate a drink: "Gissing was pleased to find that Mr. Poodle enjoyed a cigar, and after some hesitation ventured to suggest that he still had something in his cellar. Mr. Poodle said he didn't care for anything, but his host couldn't help hearing the curate's tail quite unconsciously thumping on the chair cushions." If that amuses, you will probably like this book.
Our hero, Gissing, is a young bachelor dog with philosophical inclinations and a private income. At the book's opening, he comes across three abandoned puppies whom he impulsively adopts. The vicissitudes of parenthood are described all too vividly; worn down, Gissing leaves his young family in the care of slatternly Mrs. Spaniel, and heads off to a city much like New York, in a vague quest for new horizons -- the title of the book refers to a certain shade of "peacock blue" in the dusky evening sky that fills Gissing with a longing to discover and understand its source. Gissing's adventures in the city and beyond become increasingly unlikely (as though anything in a book about a society of dogs who walk on their hind feet and wear clothes can be said to be likely), but they wind up to a satisfying and affecting conclusion.
Our hero, Gissing, is a young bachelor dog with philosophical inclinations and a private income. At the book's opening, he comes across three abandoned puppies whom he impulsively adopts. The vicissitudes of parenthood are described all too vividly; worn down, Gissing leaves his young family in the care of slatternly Mrs. Spaniel, and heads off to a city much like New York, in a vague quest for new horizons -- the title of the book refers to a certain shade of "peacock blue" in the dusky evening sky that fills Gissing with a longing to discover and understand its source. Gissing's adventures in the city and beyond become increasingly unlikely (as though anything in a book about a society of dogs who walk on their hind feet and wear clothes can be said to be likely), but they wind up to a satisfying and affecting conclusion.
February 8, 2017
Libros del Zorro Rojo nos trae la versión de Arhtur Rickham de La Bella Durmiente, bastante similar al que estamos acostumbrados: solo difiere en algunos puntos de cómo se produjo el maleficio y cómo consigue el príncipe llegar a la princesa.
En esta versión, además, la princesa se llama Rosa Silvestre, no Aurora, y sus hadas madrinas son 13, contando a la malvada que profetiza que morirá (en la versión más conocida es Maléfica, pero aquí solo tiene nombre Rosa Silvestre).
También he disfrutado mucho de este cuento clásico, porque además viene acompañado con unas deliciosas ilustraciones que nos introducen más en la historia.
En esta versión, además, la princesa se llama Rosa Silvestre, no Aurora, y sus hadas madrinas son 13, contando a la malvada que profetiza que morirá (en la versión más conocida es Maléfica, pero aquí solo tiene nombre Rosa Silvestre).
También he disfrutado mucho de este cuento clásico, porque además viene acompañado con unas deliciosas ilustraciones que nos introducen más en la historia.
October 16, 2024
This is a charming fantasy from the early 1900s with an anthropomorphic dog as main character. Gissing has philosophical and theological questions that lead him out into the world, first to become a floorwalker in an NYC department store and ten its general manager. Later his questions take him into the pulpit and then to sea. Besides the philosophical ruminations, this also expanded my vocabulary, as I had to consult the OED about "strepitant," "scarp," " hebdomadal, " "fiddley," and "oxter."
September 27, 2011
This was a short read but a bit different than the animated version. It was a good retelling of the original story and very interesting to note the changes such as the number of fairies listed as well as the 100 year old curse. It moves quickly but it was nice for an afternoon read. I read this on my kindle app for android.
May 31, 2014
I've read this book before, many years ago, as a child. I think I was twelve and was in an advanced reading class. Anyway, the characters are dogs and I remember that so much and that it was really a book about philosophy, which is why I wanted to read it again.
The search for truth is never easy.
The search for truth is never easy.
January 14, 2017
I originally downloaded this book to look at the Arthur Rackham illustrations, but I got drawn into Evans's text and the pictures became secondary to the words. A really charming retelling of the old fairy tale, with lots of little details and lists—marvelous lists!—to beef up the story.
I believe Evans only wrote 2 other books; I am curious if they are just as fun.
I believe Evans only wrote 2 other books; I am curious if they are just as fun.
March 26, 2018
I love this book. I love using the dogs as a way to show us about our society- the idea of what makes a meaningful life and those who go on to their own search and ultimately find what so many other works tell us- we are happiest at home- even with its messes and boring sameness. For that is where the things we love are.
March 4, 2013
Cute read. Good for the little princess in your life. This was a free download and I hoped it might be the original. I should have known the original is a Grimm tale. This one is very sweet. The descriptions gets quite wordy. It could have been condensed even more. I liked it though.
September 15, 2009
Loved it! Loved the conceit that becomes clear at the end of the first chapter! (But I did not realize it until nearer the end of the book!)
August 12, 2016
A quirky book... read other people's comments about it. In it's own way it is "philosophical".
If Louise Erdrich had not recommended it I would never have read it. If nothing else, it's fun.
If Louise Erdrich had not recommended it I would never have read it. If nothing else, it's fun.
February 4, 2016
This was a fun and enjoyable fairy tale, but it did lack a bit of panache that other, more famous fairy tales have. The author tended to focus on minute details, and glance over more relevant ones.
March 30, 2021
Christopher Morley is one of my favorite authors. His stories are allegorical, maybe a little preachy and sentimental, but humorous to me. A tale of many dogs in human form.
September 26, 2022
Just about the most unique story I've read. Told from the perspective of dogs but not a light romp -the book addresses serious topics from this different perspective.
October 10, 2017
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. C.S. EVANS
This book is a fairy tale. It is a classic, that was retold in a more kid friendly way.
This book is not apart of a series, but I am sure that there are other books similar to this.
I could compare this book to a book I read that had several fairy tales and short stories. The Sleeping Beauty story was actually apart of that book. That book had other princess stories in it like Cinderella and Snow White.
This book is geared to the ages of 11-14. There was some violence and gory parts, but it was still for the most part kid friendly.
This book is kind of similar to the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty. It has the same type of plot. There are many fairies that give gifts to the young princess. All of them are wonderful, except for the last gift. The mean fairy gave the gift to the princess that on her fifteenth birthday she would prick her finger on a spinning wheel and then immediately fall a sleep for one hundred years. The spell would be broken if the special prince came and kissed the princess on the lips. If she got kissed then she would wake up and the prince and her would fall in love. Then her and the prince would have a happily ever after. Years passed and the spell took over the princess. One hundred years later the special prince came along and the spell was broken. They got married and lived happily ever after.
The main characters are the princess, the prince, the queen, the king, and the evil fairy.
All of them end up having a great life except for the evil fairy. She did not have many other pleasant times after that.
My favorite characters are the princess and the prince. The princess I’d beautiful inside and out and has many great characteristics. She can sing and dance like no other. The prince is very brave and sweet.
The characters are not very realistic. The princess has everything good in her and is absolutely perfect, and there is lots of magic, so it makes the characters unrealistic.
The characters are very likable. They are very fun loving and they all have great characteristics.
I can’t relate to any of the characters. It is kind of hard to, because all of them are perfect.
I can definitely learn from all of the characters. They are all very optimistic and they have many character traits that would be good to learn.
This book takes place a long time ago in a village with a large castle.
I believe that there are three themes to this book. One of them is to always stay optimistic. The second one is to always be brave. The third one is to be grateful for what you have and never doubt yourself.
I loved this book. I think it taught many lessons and it was just a fun book to read. If there were other books in this series I would definitely read them! I loved this book, and I think you will too!
This book is a fairy tale. It is a classic, that was retold in a more kid friendly way.
This book is not apart of a series, but I am sure that there are other books similar to this.
I could compare this book to a book I read that had several fairy tales and short stories. The Sleeping Beauty story was actually apart of that book. That book had other princess stories in it like Cinderella and Snow White.
This book is geared to the ages of 11-14. There was some violence and gory parts, but it was still for the most part kid friendly.
This book is kind of similar to the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty. It has the same type of plot. There are many fairies that give gifts to the young princess. All of them are wonderful, except for the last gift. The mean fairy gave the gift to the princess that on her fifteenth birthday she would prick her finger on a spinning wheel and then immediately fall a sleep for one hundred years. The spell would be broken if the special prince came and kissed the princess on the lips. If she got kissed then she would wake up and the prince and her would fall in love. Then her and the prince would have a happily ever after. Years passed and the spell took over the princess. One hundred years later the special prince came along and the spell was broken. They got married and lived happily ever after.
The main characters are the princess, the prince, the queen, the king, and the evil fairy.
All of them end up having a great life except for the evil fairy. She did not have many other pleasant times after that.
My favorite characters are the princess and the prince. The princess I’d beautiful inside and out and has many great characteristics. She can sing and dance like no other. The prince is very brave and sweet.
The characters are not very realistic. The princess has everything good in her and is absolutely perfect, and there is lots of magic, so it makes the characters unrealistic.
The characters are very likable. They are very fun loving and they all have great characteristics.
I can’t relate to any of the characters. It is kind of hard to, because all of them are perfect.
I can definitely learn from all of the characters. They are all very optimistic and they have many character traits that would be good to learn.
This book takes place a long time ago in a village with a large castle.
I believe that there are three themes to this book. One of them is to always stay optimistic. The second one is to always be brave. The third one is to be grateful for what you have and never doubt yourself.
I loved this book. I think it taught many lessons and it was just a fun book to read. If there were other books in this series I would definitely read them! I loved this book, and I think you will too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2020
Libros del Zorro Rojo logra traer por primera vez al español, la mítica versión de los cuentos de encantamiento de la Bella Durmiente y Cenicienta, resultado de la colaboración entre Charles Seddon Evans (1883-1944), autor de esta versión inglesa de los cuentos, y Arthur Rackham (1867-1939), ilustrador de cuentos clásicos. Esta edición incluye un prólogo de Antonio Rodríguez Almodóvar, escritor y reconocido investigador de cuentos populares y tradición oral, quien nos adentra en la historia y simbolismo de los cuentos protagonistas. El prólogo aporta un grado de exquisitez superior a esta edición hermosísima y bien lograda, tanto por las magníficas ilustraciones como por la narrativa.
Para esta versión de La Bella Durmiente, C.S. Evans toma de referencia el cuento de los hermanos Grimm, tratando exclusivamente la parte que abarca hasta el despertar de la princesa, también llamada Briar-Rose o Rosa Silvestre en su traducción al español. Esta versión añade nuevos apartes que amplían el cuento, como la descripción del banquete real, o las referencias al mago Merlín y a Alicia de Lewis Carroll. La preocupación de Evans por los detalles realza la narración que, manteniendo un estilo sencillo, logra cautivar de principio a fin.
C.S. Evans también imprime de ironía y humor británico su versión. En particular, me gustó la crítica a la monarquía, cuando el Rey expide un decreto que afecta a todo el pueblo para salvaguardar sus intereses personales. «(…) hay que admitir que quizá se hubiera podido expresar en menos palabras», relata en una clara critica a una legislación que peca en su lenguaje hacia el pueblo. ¡La mayoría del pueblo ni sabía leer! Tuvieron que entrar en gastos para pagar a terceros por su lectura y enseñanza. Una situación que no es ajena al contexto de nuestros días, donde los políticos legislan para favorecer intereses particulares afectando al colectivo, y se valen de terminología especializada y redacciones complejas para limitar la comprensión de la mayoría.
Las ilustraciones de Arthur Rackham nos acompañarán capítulo a capítulo engalanando la lectura y sumergiéndonos dentro de la historia. Resulta clara la importancia que Libros del Zorro Rojo otorga a Arthur Rackham quien figura de forma exclusiva en la cubierta, en el lomo y en una biografía al final del libro. No tendríamos una de las más maravillosas versiones de cuentos de encantamiento sin la colaboración entre C.S. Evans y Rackham, sin la creación literaria en conjunto con el poder gráfico de la ilustración. En ese sentido, relegar a Evans a la portada interior, es para mí, el único y más terrible pecado que mancilla una edición tan hermosa.
Para esta versión de La Bella Durmiente, C.S. Evans toma de referencia el cuento de los hermanos Grimm, tratando exclusivamente la parte que abarca hasta el despertar de la princesa, también llamada Briar-Rose o Rosa Silvestre en su traducción al español. Esta versión añade nuevos apartes que amplían el cuento, como la descripción del banquete real, o las referencias al mago Merlín y a Alicia de Lewis Carroll. La preocupación de Evans por los detalles realza la narración que, manteniendo un estilo sencillo, logra cautivar de principio a fin.
C.S. Evans también imprime de ironía y humor británico su versión. En particular, me gustó la crítica a la monarquía, cuando el Rey expide un decreto que afecta a todo el pueblo para salvaguardar sus intereses personales. «(…) hay que admitir que quizá se hubiera podido expresar en menos palabras», relata en una clara critica a una legislación que peca en su lenguaje hacia el pueblo. ¡La mayoría del pueblo ni sabía leer! Tuvieron que entrar en gastos para pagar a terceros por su lectura y enseñanza. Una situación que no es ajena al contexto de nuestros días, donde los políticos legislan para favorecer intereses particulares afectando al colectivo, y se valen de terminología especializada y redacciones complejas para limitar la comprensión de la mayoría.
Las ilustraciones de Arthur Rackham nos acompañarán capítulo a capítulo engalanando la lectura y sumergiéndonos dentro de la historia. Resulta clara la importancia que Libros del Zorro Rojo otorga a Arthur Rackham quien figura de forma exclusiva en la cubierta, en el lomo y en una biografía al final del libro. No tendríamos una de las más maravillosas versiones de cuentos de encantamiento sin la colaboración entre C.S. Evans y Rackham, sin la creación literaria en conjunto con el poder gráfico de la ilustración. En ese sentido, relegar a Evans a la portada interior, es para mí, el único y más terrible pecado que mancilla una edición tan hermosa.
July 15, 2025
"Shall spindle prick? - then spindle burn,
No thread weave and no wheel turn;
If there's no spindle and there's no wheel,
Then no finger the spindle can feel."
- C.S. Evans
Review in Nederlands + Engels!
(NL)
Arthur Rackham staat samen met Brian Froud bovenaan mijn lijst van favoriete kunstenaars.
Rackham heeft mij met zijn illustraties voor de legenden van Koning Arthur, Ierse folklore en traditionele sprookjes keer op keer weten te betoveren. Wat was ik dus blij toen ik dit prachtige exemplaar van Sleeping Beauty vond tijdens een fantasy fair!
Het boek komt rechtstreeks uit de jaren 1920 en staat vol met prachtige illustraties van Rakcham's hand. Het alom bekende verhaal van Doornroosje wordt in dit boek mooi en lijvig verteld, met bloemige proza en gedichten. Ergens vond ik het wel jammer dat de auteur ervoor koos om zijn sprookje te baseren op de kortere versie van de Gebroeders Grimm. De versie van Perrault is immers veel uitgebreider, met een spannende epiloog waarin Doornroosje en haar kinderen bijna worden opgegeten door de stiefmoeder van de prins.
Al bij al weer een prachtig boek, dat ik met veel liefde toevoeg aan mijn sprookjescollectie.
(ENG)
Arthur Rackham tops my list of favourite artists along with Brian Froud.
Rackham has enchanted me time and again with his illustrations for King Arthur legends, Irish folklore and traditional fairy tales. So how delighted I was when I found this beautiful copy of Sleeping Beauty at a fantasy fair!
The book comes straight from the 1920s and is full of beautiful illustrations by Rakcham's hand. The widely known story of Sleeping Beauty is told beautifully and leisurely in this book, with flowery prose and poems. Somehow, I did regret that the author chose to base his fairy tale on the shorter version by the Brothers Grimm. After all, Perrault's version is much more elaborate, with a thrilling epilogue in which Sleeping Beauty and her children are almost eaten by the prince's stepmother.
All in all, another wonderful book, which I will lovingly add to my fairy tale collection.
No thread weave and no wheel turn;
If there's no spindle and there's no wheel,
Then no finger the spindle can feel."
- C.S. Evans
Review in Nederlands + Engels!
(NL)
Arthur Rackham staat samen met Brian Froud bovenaan mijn lijst van favoriete kunstenaars.
Rackham heeft mij met zijn illustraties voor de legenden van Koning Arthur, Ierse folklore en traditionele sprookjes keer op keer weten te betoveren. Wat was ik dus blij toen ik dit prachtige exemplaar van Sleeping Beauty vond tijdens een fantasy fair!
Het boek komt rechtstreeks uit de jaren 1920 en staat vol met prachtige illustraties van Rakcham's hand. Het alom bekende verhaal van Doornroosje wordt in dit boek mooi en lijvig verteld, met bloemige proza en gedichten. Ergens vond ik het wel jammer dat de auteur ervoor koos om zijn sprookje te baseren op de kortere versie van de Gebroeders Grimm. De versie van Perrault is immers veel uitgebreider, met een spannende epiloog waarin Doornroosje en haar kinderen bijna worden opgegeten door de stiefmoeder van de prins.
Al bij al weer een prachtig boek, dat ik met veel liefde toevoeg aan mijn sprookjescollectie.
(ENG)
Arthur Rackham tops my list of favourite artists along with Brian Froud.
Rackham has enchanted me time and again with his illustrations for King Arthur legends, Irish folklore and traditional fairy tales. So how delighted I was when I found this beautiful copy of Sleeping Beauty at a fantasy fair!
The book comes straight from the 1920s and is full of beautiful illustrations by Rakcham's hand. The widely known story of Sleeping Beauty is told beautifully and leisurely in this book, with flowery prose and poems. Somehow, I did regret that the author chose to base his fairy tale on the shorter version by the Brothers Grimm. After all, Perrault's version is much more elaborate, with a thrilling epilogue in which Sleeping Beauty and her children are almost eaten by the prince's stepmother.
All in all, another wonderful book, which I will lovingly add to my fairy tale collection.
July 22, 2025
You ever find a piece of media at the perfect time? That's me with "Where the Blue Begins", a relatively short story about a dog (man?), Mr. Gissing, who is searching for a higher calling that always seems to be just beyond the horizon. Gissing is a dog who is out of step with the world; a thoughtful, curious, and eager dog who is constantly being told by those around him to settle down and grow up. Gissing looks for belonging in work, theology, the open sea, and eventually within himself before coming to a spiritual understanding of the world and his place in it (no spoilers!).
I, too, have turned to mindfulness and existentialism after feeling stuck for basically all of 2025 so far. I randomly remembered my friend read this in college and really enjoyed it, so I decided to give it a whirl. The book instantly captured my interest, as the main character undertakes a journey that I wish/hope to follow. Also I think I had a first edition copy? I could not tell because there was no ISBN and there is very little info about this book online. And I'm also the only person on our library app to review the book. How rare/unknown is this thing? If you can find it, read it!
I, too, have turned to mindfulness and existentialism after feeling stuck for basically all of 2025 so far. I randomly remembered my friend read this in college and really enjoyed it, so I decided to give it a whirl. The book instantly captured my interest, as the main character undertakes a journey that I wish/hope to follow. Also I think I had a first edition copy? I could not tell because there was no ISBN and there is very little info about this book online. And I'm also the only person on our library app to review the book. How rare/unknown is this thing? If you can find it, read it!
October 11, 2025
Wonderful read
Sleeping beauty was a good short refreshing read. I can see myself reading it to my children one day for sure. I’m not sure what lessons there are in it other than don’t overlook one another and never underestimate a faerie clearly. She will find a way. Also the 13th fairies punishment seemed lacking. Briar Rose went to sleep for a 100 years, but so did all those she loved and all those that were in her kingdom. It seemed to help her in fact. She found her true love and she awaken with 100 years of advancement in the world. Enjoyed it all the same.
Sleeping beauty was a good short refreshing read. I can see myself reading it to my children one day for sure. I’m not sure what lessons there are in it other than don’t overlook one another and never underestimate a faerie clearly. She will find a way. Also the 13th fairies punishment seemed lacking. Briar Rose went to sleep for a 100 years, but so did all those she loved and all those that were in her kingdom. It seemed to help her in fact. She found her true love and she awaken with 100 years of advancement in the world. Enjoyed it all the same.
September 23, 2017
A traditional style retelling of the tale, with a few literary fillips -- when the wizard is looking for a cure for the curse, you'll see a few allusions.
Arthur Rackham's elegant silhouette illustrations, as well.
Arthur Rackham's elegant silhouette illustrations, as well.
November 9, 2018
My favorite character was sleeping beauty because she was the most fun character to read about. Something that surprised me was that they have lots of parties. I would not change the ending because it was a sad story but it was a happy ending.
September 2, 2019
This one isn't the exact book that I have but it's close.
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