The Phoenix and the Carpet [Paperback]

Edith Nesbit (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1987

The Phoenix and the Carpet is E. Nesbit's second fantasy novel and is the sequel to Five Children and It. From Robert, Anthea, Jane and Cyril's new nursery carpet there falls a mysterious egg which is hatched in the fire to reveal a benevolent, resourceful and ingenious Phoenix who explains that the carpet is possessed of magic qualities. And so begins a series of fantastic and bizarre adventures as the carpet transports the children and the Phoenix to places as diverse as a chilling French castle, a desert island and even the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company's offices, which the Phoenix believes to be a shrine for his followers.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Edith Nesbit (1858 – 1924), was a mischievous, tomboyish child who grew up to be an unconventional adult. She and her husband were founder members of the socialist Fabian Society and their home became a centre for socialist and literary discussion. Their friends included some of the time’s greatest writers and thinkers, including George Bernard Shaw and H. G. Wells.

Everything about Edith showed her as a woman trying to break out of the mould demanded by English society at the time – she expressed her individuality through her clothes, hairstyle, lifestyle and her habit of speaking forcefully on almost any subject. She lived her socialism and late in life her charitable deeds brought her close to bankrupcy.

E. Nesbit – she always used the plain initial for her writing and was sometimes thought to be a man – started to write for children after years of successful writing for adult magazines. She was asked to write about her childhood but instead of facts chose to describe her happy girlhood in fiction. The result was books still read today, firm bestsellers for decades. She was brilliant at combining real-life situations with elements of fantasy and humour. Films –such as The Railway Children - have kept her stories in the public eye and her magical fantasies, including Five Children and It, continue to delight each new generation of children.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From AudioFile

Four British children acquire a magic carpet and embark on a series of adventures, most of which don't turn out as planned. Although the style and setting are dated, the writing is witty and displays a genuine, timeless sympathy with childish sensibilities. Ward's reading is something short of fully voiced but is very listenable. Her voice is pleasant; her tone and pacing are good. Don't use this selection to recruit new audiobook fans from the ranks of Saturday morning cartoon devotees. But the child who is ready for rich language, a slow pace, and gentle humor will find it a pleasant diversion. J.N. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Yearling; 1st Printing Feb 1987 edition (January 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440470358
• ISBN-13: 978-0440470359
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,264,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary amusing and amazing book. A charming myth., February 1, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Phoenix and the Carpet (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)

The phoenix in an ancient animal, or to be more exact - bird. It falls into the hands of five cute children, who takes a real good care of it. It also brings along a magic carpet, just like everyone would like to have at home. The phoenix, is very bright, and its presence sure makes things much more interesting and fun. Its one of the books I liked the best.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful book, June 27, 2005

By 

carol shelby lane (fresno CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Phoenix and the Carpet (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)

I'm surprised there are only four reviews listed.. E. Nesbit's books are wonderfully intriguing. The sentence structure is complex, making for more interesting reading. The moral lessons are there, but subtle, not blatant like current popular children's liturature.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Classic Literature, August 23, 2005

By 

Mystical O. Imagination "Moi" (Alabama, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Phoenix and the Carpet (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)

Exceptional writing! Many of the children/youth books now-a-days, lack the ability to capture and draw the imagination the way that Nesbit can. She was truly a remarkable author. I can't wait to dive in to more of her works. If only I had been introduced to her writing sooner. Clean, inviting and witty.