The Golden Age

By Kenneth Grahame, Ernest H 1879-1976 Shepard, R J E Moony

Book Overview

A joy to read and reread, Kenneth Grahame's story of children is not a book designed purely for young readers. Thoughtful short stories about five endearing and creative siblings growing up in late Victorian England, the charming vignettes gently probe differences between children's and adults' perceptions of the world. These youngsters are particularly confounded by the actions of adults who they perceive as stiff and colorless, with no vital interests or pursuits, and who lead apparently aimless lives. Young Harold, in sharp contrast, loves to play muffin-man, shaking a noiseless bell while selling invisible confections to imaginary customers. Brother Edward likes to crouch in a ditch where he becomes a grizzly bear and springs out in front of his shrieking brothers and sisters. Grahame's enchanting reminiscences and inventions, based in part on his own Victorian childhood, are enhanced by the delightful illustrations of renowned American artist Maxfield Parrish. The book is a joyful work that parents will delight in reading along with their children. Book jacket.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825303311
• ISBN13: 9780825303319
• Release Date: January 1983
• Publisher: [Distributed by Kampmann & Co.]
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Age Range: 9 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 4 and higher

Customer Reviews

Wonderful book

My copy of this book is the 1993 hardcover from Ten Speed Press with art by Maxfiled Parrish. It is an exact copy of the 1900 edition, which I could never afford. The art by Maxfield is stunning, and of course the book itself is a treat no matter whose artwork is in it. The author knows how to rleocate in each of us, the child we once were. Adter all, he also gave us "Dream Days", and "The Wind In The Willows". You can't go wrong with this book.

K. Grahame Examines Childhood

Kenneth Grahame's rich, elegant writing make "The Golden Age" a joy to read and reread. While it is a story of children in late Victorian England, it is not a childish book. Rather, it is an examination of how children view the world and are confounded by the actions of the adults around them. Grahame had a wonderful knack for presenting the child's point of view without being cutesy or condescending - no other author has as successfully done this. Nor does he present the typical Victorian view that children are all little angels and always innocent. All adults should read this book - it makes one stop and examine one's priorities and will encourage you recapture a zest for life and imagination.