Comus [Hardcover]

Margaret Hodges (Adapter), John Milton (Author), Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1996 | ISBN-10: 082341146X | ISBN-13: 978-0823411467 | Edition: 1st

In an adaptation of the poem "A Masque at Ludlow Castle" by John Milton, two young men must rescue their sister Alice from Comus, the evil magician who has bewitched her and carried her off to his hidden kingdom.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Milton's "A Mask. Presented at Ludlow Castle," itself based on the ancient English folktale "Childe Roland," makes an odd choice for adaptation into a picture book, even on the heels of Hodges's and Hyman's collaborations St. George and the Dragon and The Kitchen Knight. In masques, after all, the characters stand around and declaim, briefly act or more likely dance, and then declaim again-the charms of which don't translate in this stiffly paced retelling. The protagonists, at least, are children, here named Alice, John and Thomas. Separated from her brothers in a dark wood, Alice is ensnared by Comus, a sorcerer who is the offspring of Circe and Bacchus. She resists his proffered drink-which would turn her into a half-beast like all his followers-and is rescued by her brothers, with the magic aid of a Good Spirit and the local river nymph. This deus ex machina plot, typical of masques, is cleansed of Milton's thematic obsession with Alice's virginity and possible loss of it, although a few of Hyman's paintings suggest the sexual undertones. Hyman compensates in part for the brittle narration by cleverly suggesting a stage with curtain-opening imps, also furnishing a deeply gloomy and haunted wood, a horrifically comic mob of monsters and the bright dawn of a happy ending. This volume may give a taste of 17th-century English pageantry and appeal to parents seeking adaptations of classic works, but it is probably too mannered to kindle much enthusiasm in young readers. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up-John Milton's 1634 masque, originally written in blank verse and based on the ancient English folktale, "Childe Roland," has been recast as a picture book. Goblins pull aside a curtain on the title and dedication pages, suggesting that the events that follow happen on stage. Milton's plot is the template as two brothers rescue their lost sister from the clutches of an evil magician, Comus. Supernatural help comes from a Good Spirit disguised as a shepherd and from a gentle nymph of the River Severn. Comus captures humans with a drink that turns them into beasts. The wild scene showing these debauched monsters feasting recalls Puritan Milton's distrust of aristocratic excess. Hyman's illustrations are compelling, from the dark opening scenes in the forest, where children will enjoy spotting nasty creatures lurking among the trees, to the climactic fight between the brothers and Comus. The last page, with its note explaining the story's provenance, shows the actors taking a curtain call. Unfortunately, the conventions of the masque hobble plot development. The denouement comes too quickly and without preparation. "Childe Roland" works better as a story; adults may want to invite children to compare the two. With its dramatic illustrations, this book could serve as an introduction to Milton and his times for older students, while entertaining younger readers with its tale of elemental conflict between vulnerable children and powerful evil.?Margaret A. Chang, North Adams State College, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082341146X
• ISBN-13: 978-0823411467
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,730,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Retelling of Milton's story for children, October 18, 2011

By 

mattchek - See all my reviews

This review is from: Comus (Hardcover)

Hodges' reworking of Milton's play "Comus" is a wonderfully illustrated tale. While the story is not your typical children's literature moral-esque story, it is definitely a wonderful taste of classic literature. To deem a story where three lost youngsters are saved by the Good Spirit "not acceptable for children" seems to me to be a silly approach to selection. The story is not typical, but it is classic; and who better to influence the imaginations of readers than one of the great English poets, John Milton?

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Weird, disappointing story by outstanding illustrator and author team, October 14, 2011

By 

Doctor Jean ND - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Comus (Hardcover)

Trina Schart Hyman is an amazing illustrator and our family has long enjoyed her work, particularly in George and the Dragon, as well as The Kitchen Knight. We also liked Hodges' retelling of these tales. Swan Lake is another book we enjoyed for Hyman's illustrations. However, this story is just plain strange and not appropriate for children, in my opinion. I gave it away soon after buying it. Stick with this team's strong works.