THE WATER-BABIES
A Fairy Tale for a Land-Baby
The beloved Victorian children’s tale—now available in its original unabridged edition
Instantly popular upon its initial publication in 1863, The Water Babies is at once a bewitching childhood fantasy and a skillfully woven moral allegory. Tom, a young chimney sweep, escapes his horrendous job and his cruel boss, Grimes, when fairies plunge him into a fantastical world under the sea. As he meets and befriends his fellow water babies, as well as all sorts of sea creatures, he begins to learn some valuable lessons. Much in demand by scholars, this authoritative new edition—featuring the Victorian illustrations from early editions—will charm children and adults alike.
The beloved Victorian children’s tale—now available in its original unabridged edition
Instantly popular upon its initial publication in 1863, The Water Babies is at once a bewitching childhood fantasy and a skillfully woven moral allegory. Tom, a young chimney sweep, escapes his horrendous job and his cruel boss, Grimes, when fairies plunge him into a fantastical world under the sea. As he meets and befriends his fellow water babies, as well as all sorts of sea creatures, he begins to learn some valuable lessons. Much in demand by scholars, this authoritative new edition—featuring the Victorian illustrations from early editions—will charm children and adults alike.
- Penguin Classics
- Paperback
- May 2008
- 224 Pages
- 9780143105091
Buy the Book
$14.00
About Charles Kingsley & Richard D Beards
Charles Kingsley (1819–1875) was an Anglican minister, the Regius Professor of History at Cambridge, and the author of numerous novels, including Westward Ho! He also wrote poetry, sermons, and magazine articles. Richard D. Beards is an associate professor of English at Temple University.