The King of the Golden River (Yesterday's Classics) [Paperback]

John Ruskin (Author), Maria L. Kirk (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

A fairy tale of what happened to two men who tried to get rich in evil ways and of how the fortune they sought came to their younger brother, whose kind and loving heart prompted him to right action. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of 19th century stories for children. Includes four black and white illustrations by Maria L. Kirk. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. Exquisite drawings by Bulgarian artist Ghiuselev illustrate this new edition of Ruskin's classic fairy tale. Hans lives with his two greedy brothers, who exploit the land and people of Treasure Valley for their own gain. Through his kindness and courage, Hans gains the favor of the magical King of the Golden River. In a series of fine, softly shaded drawings, some warmed with subtle touches of color, Ghiuselev captures the tone as well as the sense of the story. The volume closes with a page devoted to Ruskin. A well-designed and very handsome edition of the timeless tale. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

James Still s award-winning plays have been produced at theaters throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. He is the recipient of the New Voices in American Theatre award from the William Inge Festival, The Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award for Distinguished Body of Work, and two-time recipient of TGC/Pew Charitable Trust National Theatre Artist Grant with the Indian Repertory Theatre in Indianapolis where he is the Playwright-in-Residence. Mr. Still grew up on a tiny town in Kansas and now lives in Santa Monica, CA where he also writes for television and film. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 60 pages
• Publisher: Yesterday's Classics (March 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599151251
• ISBN-13: 978-1599151250
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,931,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars childhood favorite!, March 23, 2001

By 

N. C. Derham "MacBeth Derham" (Floral Park, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The King of the Golden River: or the Black Brothers (Paperback)

I must have read this book when I was 7 or 8. When my familiy moved, I searched in vain for the book to re-read, but it must have been lost in the move. I discovered it on a friend's shelf a few weeks ago, and re-read it. What joy! I always thought of this as the story where a bad guy steals Holy Water, but it is much more than this. The young hero has two dreadful brothers. He takes their abuse, and repays them with kindness, rescuing them from their own greed. Ruskin's descriptions of the country side are dramatic and vivid. One warning: Some might be disturbed by the references to the brothers' drunken behavior.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beware the Black Brothers!, July 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The King of the Golden River: or the Black Brothers (Paperback)

Gluck is cast as the "poor younger child" of two abusive older brothers. They are all presented with a quest to find the source of the local river, and though the two older brothers fail, the younger brother suceeds because he is pure of heart. It's very classic, metaphorical and I highly recommend it, as it was a fave of mine as a child. I was glad to see it's still in print. Austrian.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE STORY HAS A WELL WRITTEN LESSON, October 26, 2006

By 

Amanda Haught "Gege" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The King of the Golden River: or the Black Brothers (Paperback)

THIS STORY WAS ABOUT THREE BROTHERS WHO TWO OF THEM WERE VERY SELFISH AND ONLY THOUGHT OF THEMSELVES WHERE THE OTHER ONE WAS KIND AND THOUGHT OF OTHER HUMAN BEINGS. THE LESSON IN THE STORY IS THAT IF YOU THINK OF OTHERS OTHER THAN YOURSELF, YOU MAY BE REWARDED IN THE LONG RUN. I PERSONLAY ENJOYED READING THIS STORY TO MY LITTLE BOY WHO IS FIVE.I THINK ANY PARENT OR GRANDPARENT SHOULD READ THIS STROY TO A SMALL CHILD. THERE IS A IMPORTANT LESSON TO BE LEARNED IN THIS BOOK. I WOULD READ IT AGAIN AND AGAIN.......