The Cremation of Sam McGee [Hardcover]

Robert Service (Author), Ted Harrison (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2006 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

In 1986 Kids Can Press published an edition of Robert Service's "The Cremation of Sam McGee" illustrated by painter Ted Harrison, who used his signature broad brushstrokes and unconventional choice of color to bring this gritty narrative poem to life. Evoking both the spare beauty and the mournful solitude of the Yukon landscape, Harrison's paintings proved the perfect match for Service's masterpiece about a doomed prospector adrift in a harsh land. Harrison's Illustrator's Notes on each page enhanced both poem and illustrations by adding valuable historical background. Upon its original publication, many recognized the book as an innovative approach to illustrating poetry for children. For years The Cremation of Sam McGee has stood out as a publishing landmark, losing none of its appeal both as a read-aloud and as a work of art. Kids Can Press proudly publishes this deluxe hardcover twentieth anniversary edition -- complete with a spot-varnished cover, new cover art and heavy coated stock -- of a book that remains as entrancing as a night sky alive with the vibrant glow of the Northern Lights.

Editorial Reviews

Review

[Gorgeously illustrated ? [A wonderful new edition ... Harrison’s pictures are startling and memorable

There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for books; The Arctic trails have their secret tales that could give you second looks, The Northern Lights have seen their sights But the wisest they ever did see Was the day in’06, complete with great pix They reissued Sam McGee.

No poem that I can think of, especially a comic one, was ever rendered so electrifyingly in paint

About the Author

Robert Service was born in England and earned a worldwide reputation as a poet of the Arctic. He died in Europe in 1958.

Ted Harrison is an internationally acclaimed artist best known for his vibrant interpretations of the Canadian North. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (July 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155453092X
• ISBN-13: 978-1554530922
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #449,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Service should be remembered along with Poe and Steinback, November 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Cremation of Sam McGee and Other Poems (Paperback)

The Cremation of Sam Magee is definatley Robert Services funniest poems ever, it shows a master genius at work and I shall always remember the words "Strange things are done in the midnight sun by the men who mole for gold" This book is a definate buy!!! I shall keep this book till the day I die

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most wonderful Canadian folk story, March 6, 2006

By 

Anthony Yanow - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cremation of Sam McGee, The (Hardcover)

As a kid growing up in Ontario I heard this poem a million times. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I absolutely love sharing it with her. This is Service's masterpiece and it is beautifully accompanied by Ted Harrison's inspired paintings. We enjoy looking at the pictures as much as rolling through the perfectly paced tale of the gold rush. Anthony Yanow

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars part of growing up, January 29, 2001

By 

"irishcowboy" (Southwest U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cremation of Sam McGee (Hardcover)

I think just about anyone who has taken a literature class has been ENCOURAGED...[required] to memorize this poem.

And it's a darn good poem; tells a story that sounds, [especially to a younger person, very real].

Robert Service has always been like...the 'other' Jack London. These two authors should be, [if not already], required reading in any English/Literature class taught.

This particular poem was always a good one to have memorized--- in order to recite it around the campfire at a Boy Scout camping trip. Just seeing the title in print brings back fond memories.