The Story of the Treasure Seekers

By E. Nesbit and Edith Nesbit

Book Overview

In Edith Nesbit's enchanting literary world, readers embark on an extraordinary adventure alongside the plucky and imaginative Bastable siblings. Set against the backdrop of Edwardian England, this heartwarming and timeless tale follows the spirited children as they embark on a quest to restore their family's fallen fortunes. With unfettered determination and boundless creativity, they concoct ingenious schemes to uncover hidden riches and solve the family's financial woes.

Nesbit's storytelling prowess is on full display as she weaves a narrative that combines humour, warmth, and a touch of whimsy. Through the eyes of the Bastable children, readers are treated to a delightful exploration of the power of imagination, sibling bonds, and the resilience of youth in the face of adversity.

This cherished classic continues to captivate readers of all ages. Edith Nesbit's ability to capture the essence of childhood wonder and the enduring importance of family makes this narrative a timeless gem. It invites readers to join the Bastable siblings on a journey of discovery, where everyday life is transformed into a grand adventure filled with laughter, love, and the thrill of seeking treasures both tangible and intangible.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8119167546
• ISBN13: 9788119167548
• Release Date: January 2024
• Publisher: Pharos Books Private Limited
• Length: 158 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Classic amusing (very English) adventure

The Treasure Seekers The six Bastable children are determined to restore their family fallen fortunes. They do not know exactly what it was that made their fortunes "fall" but it had something to do with mother dying, father being sick and his business partner running away. This depressing information is brought about casually and is merely the background for what is about to follow - a (very funny) treasure hunt practiced upon in different ways. Dora, Oswald, Dicky, Alice, Noel and H.O. all have different plans to get to their goal, ranging from helping an elderly gentlemen in distress (absence of apparent distress is a small obstacle) to answering a newspaper ad promising 2 pounds a week earned in your spare time - and are about to systematically try out all of them. The story is told by one of the Bastable children, one that does not wish to reveal his identity. It is a great wonder therefore that Oswald gets such a favorable description..."Oswald put lumps of coal on the fire with his fingers, so as not to make a noise. He is a very thoughtful boy, and he did not wipe his fingers on his trouser leg as perhaps Noel or H.O. would have done..." This is a lesser-known story of Edith Nesbit but is the first book published by her and a real masterpiece. This book is just as lovely as her more famous "Railway Children" and like that story works on both the adult and the child level. The book is full of detailed descriptions of conversations, food (very British), grave decisions and pretend play. The Bastable children do not feel miserable unless reminded and the book is a great, very amusing read. The language (which can sometimes be quite difficult for the modern reader) is, as Oswald explains, sometimes taken out of books and especially the "Jungle Book" ("Good Hunting" they wish each other). Contrary to other reviewers, I enjoyed the "air of another time" even if I did not always understand all the expressions. This is a story of children in another era, trying to entertain themselves when they cannot afford school and need to struggle alone without the presence and explanations of adults (their self made explanations to unclear expressions, such as "seven times removed from the queen" are hilarious). The story is very cosmopolite in the sense that these are really stories of human kindness and nobility in all its forms. This is something adults and children alike can share, each according to his perceptions. The story is so rich with a sense of a different time, adventure, humor and human sociology that anyone can find something to suit his heart.

Treasure ho!

The Treasure Seekers concerns a family of six children in turn-of-the-century England. Their mother dead and their father impoverished through the malfeasance of his business partner, the Bastable kids try a number of schemes to renew the fortunes of the House of Bastable. The story is charming, but the narrative style will win both children and adults. Oswald, the second-eldest sibling, narrates the tale without holding back on his opinions as to how a story should be told. (Example: "There are some things I must tell before I begin to tell about the treasure-seeking, because I have read books myself, and I know how beastly it is when a story begins 'Alas! said Hildegarde with a deep sigh, 'we must look our last on this ancestral home' -- and then some one else says something -- and you don't know for pages and pages where the home is, or who Hildegarde is or anything about it.") I'm happy to find this book is in print in the US -- now I'm going to look for The Wouldbegoods...

One of the greatest children's books of all time.

This is Nesbit's first and best novel for kids. It is terrifically funny, and witty, and anyone aged ten to a hundred should enjoy it. It's not one of her fantasy books, so don't expect phoenixes or amulets--just expect a lot of laughs, and a book you'll want to read over and over, and share with everyone you meet.