Kings and Queens [Hardcover]

Eleanor Farjeon (Author), Herbert Farjeon (Author), Rosalind Thornycroft (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2011

First published in 1932, Herbert and Eleanor Farjeon’s Kings and Queens is considered a classic of children’s literature. The charming poems, each one dedicated to a different King or Queen, tell the story of the forty-one English monarchs since William I in a humorous manner that has delighted generations of children.

 

This beautiful facsimile edition features wonderful illustrations by the artist Rosalind Thornycroft and presents the book as it was originally designed to be enjoyed. Its witty approaches to history will entertain children and parents alike.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Seminal. . . . Brilliantly delineates our national past for the young.”—Antonia Fraser

(Antonia Fraser )

“I was quite literally brought up on these brilliant verses. . . . The contain everything a child needs to know about our Kings and Queens, bringing each one unforgettably to life. Parents will ignore them at their peril.”—John Julius Norwich

(John Julius Norwich )

“Kings and Queens and Heroes and Heroines are timeless peeks into world history for many reasons, but the exuberant presentation cannot be discounted. For a dip into some great lives, you can't beat these two books.”—Bookslut

(Colleen Mondor Bookslut )

“[A] hilarious and memorable historical doggerel boldly illustrated by Rosalind Thorneycroft.”—The Times

(Christina Hardyment The Times )

About the Author

Eleanor and Herbert Farjeon were born in the 1880s in London to a very literary family. Eleanor received no formal education but was encouraged from an early age to write stories and poems. Her first book, Nursery Rhymes of London Town, was published in 1916, and she went on to write over sixty books for children. With her brother, Herbert, she also wrote numerous plays and songs. Rosalind Thornycroft (1891–1973) was a cousin of the Farjeons.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 85 pages
• Publisher: British Library; Reprint edition (November 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0712358501
• ISBN-13: 978-0712358507
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.6 x 9.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #808,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good British History Supplement December 18, 2011

By MossHillFarm

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The poems are longer and catchy. Some have to humorously stretch to find a rhyme, making them almost Seuss-like.

This book was revised in the 50's and goes from William I to Elizabeth II, making it current. Though, the poem about Queen Elizabeth is quite short and is more of an ending poem to the whole book.

From an American standpoint, I call this book a good supplement. Looking at each poem individually, it doesn't give quite enough information to fully make sense unless you have a decent background of the British Kings and Queens. If your child (or parents too) have an interest in British history, I recommend getting this book together with Our Island Story by H.E. Marshall or having online resources at the ready.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great fun and educational. February 4, 2009

By ShishkaRobb

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a great little book. It was a childhood favorite of mine and my sister. The poems are fun and very memorable. I can remember all of Henry the VIII's wives thanks to this little jewel.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book for all ages January 29, 2012

By Alfred Connable

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Kings and Queens -- along with Heroes and Heroines -- was my favorite book as a child, read to me by my mother until I was old enough to read it myself. It is wonderful light verse, brilliantly illustrated, about the most famous monarchs, from the first Queen Elizabeth to the (current) second. I have quoted this book from memory all my life (e.g., Richard III: Crookback Dick had nephews two, younger than me, older than you.)
For years I have searched for this book to no avail. Now, updated and reprinted, it is available through Amazon. I bought a bunch of them as presents and I've never heard more enthusiastic thank-you's. --
-- Alfred Connable