The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth [Hardcover]

Norton Juster (Author), Leonard S. Marcus (Editor), Jules Feiffer (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2011 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

The Phantom Tollbooth is a universally beloved childhood classic. In the 50 years since its original publication, millions of children have breathlessly followed Milo's adventures in the Lands Beyond.

Now Leonard Marcus, a nationally acclaimed writer on children's literature, has created a richly annotated edition of this perennial favorite. Marcus's expansive annotations include interviews with the author and illustrator, illuminating excerpts from Juster's notes and drafts, cultural and literary commentary, and Marcus's own insights on the book. The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth also includes an introduction that shares the fascinating background on the book's publication—Juster and Feiffer met as young neighbors in Brooklyn, New York, and thus began a fortuitious collaboration on a project that would become an instant classic—as well as its enduring place in the world of children's literature.

The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth is the perfect way to honor a classic and will be welcomed by young readers and fans of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

NORTON JUSTER is an architect and the author of other highly acclaimed children's books, including The Dot and the Line, which was made into an Academy Award-winning film,  The Hello, Goodbye Window, illustrated by Chris Raschka, which received the Caldecott Medal, and The Odious Ogre, also illustrated by Jules Feiffer.  Mr. Juster lives with his wife in Western Massachusetts.

JULES FEIFFER is the author and illustrator of two novels for young readers, as well as several acclaimed picture books including Bark, George, and Meanwhile. . . . He has won numerous prizes for his cartoons, plays, and screenplays. Mr. Feiffer lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; Annotated edition (October 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037585715X
• ISBN-13: 978-0375857157
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 1.1 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Norton Juster is an architect and planner, professor emeritus of design at Hampshire College, and the author of a number of highly acclaimed children's books, including The Dot and the Line, which was made into an Academy Award-winning animated film. He has collaborated with Sheldon Harnick on the libretto for an opera based on The Phantom Tollbooth. The musical adaptation, with a score by Arnold Black, premiered in 1995 and will soon be performed in schools and theaters nationwide. An amateur cook and professional eater, Mr. Juster lives with his wife in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Twofer for Readers of ALL ages, November 7, 2011

By 

Esther Hershenhorn - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth (Hardcover)

I consider THE ANNOTATED PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH a five-star Twofer. There's Norton Juster's original and beloved text, of course, accompanied by Jules Feiffer's original illustrations, which causes the reader to smile, guffaw and laugh out loud, not to mention marvel at and laud the extraordinarily delicious language. But then bordering that text is Leonard Marcus' gracefully-written exposition, opening the door to the story's Back Story - its Who, What, When, Where, How and Why, as well as Juster's and Feiffer's Back Stories too. Readers will smile, guffaw and laugh out loud a second time and heap even more praise once they see the process - i.e. Juster's original word lists, character write-ups and early drafts as well as Jules Feiffer's original sketches and learn how these two friends brought Milo to the page at a singular time in our country's history. The writer in me, the reader in me, the teacher I am and my inner child enthusiastically HURRAH! and give Marcus a thumbs up for this insightful,informative and funny look at a true classic.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect holiday gift for any book lover!, December 8, 2011

By 

Jennifer Wrenn - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth (Hardcover)

As both a longtime "Tollbooth" fan and admirer of historian Leonard Marcus's always thorough and insightful work, I have been eagerly awaiting the publication of the "Annotated" edition. I was thrilled to find it's just as terrific as anticipated. Filled with interesting notes, sketches, and personal photos from both Juster and Feiffer (as well as a fascinating Appendix section containing such rare gems as Juster's handwritten character and word lists and handwritten manuscript drafts), this delightful edition does just what an annotated version of a well-loved text should -- it successfully opens up our understanding of the original source material in a new way while simultaneously increasing our appreciation of it. With a keen eye and a light touch, Marcus illuminates this beloved work with just the right amount of detail, expertly addressing the clever idioms, puns, and other elements that make "Tollbooth" such a classic of children's literature. The beautiful, well-considered design and easy-to-read text ensure that this edition will please fans of the book in addition to those who have the luck of discovering it for the very first time. One of my favorite books of 2011 and a perfect addition to any children's book collection!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful and insightful! A must-have!, November 9, 2011

By 

B. McDonald - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth (Hardcover)

The story of how architect Norman Juster, after being awarded a prestigious Ford Foundation grant to write a children's book on urban planning, came to write THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH could support a book in itself. Marcus delights the readers of THE ANNOTATED PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH by relating the history of the creation of THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH by Juster and its illustrator, Jules Feiffer, as well as countless other details sure to hold the attention of the reader. This book is a must-have for those who grew up reading the children's book masterpiece, and also for anyone who loves knowing the story behind the story, and all who appreciate word play and timeless humor. Marcus's insightful observations and research discoveries are printed in blue in the margins,making them easily differentiated from the original text of Juster's book.
Those who missed the fun of reading THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH as children can buy THE ANNOTATED PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH and double their pleasure. Read the book and learn why it is still in print after fifty years!