Phoenix and the Carpet [Hardcover]

Edith Nesbit (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1978

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 the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

EDITH NESBIT was a mischievous child who grew up into an unconventional adult. With her husband, Hubert Bland, she was one of the founder members of the socialist Fabian Society; their household became a centre of the socialist and literary circles of the times. E. Nesbit turned late to children's writing. Her first children's book, THE TREASURE SEEKERS, was published in 1899 to great acclaim. Other books featuring the Bastable children followed, and a series of magical fantasy books, including FIVE CHILDREN AND IT also became very popular. THE RAILWAY CHILDREN was first published monthly in the LONDON MAGAZINE in 1905, and published as a book in 1906 and has been in print ever since. --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

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Pergamon Pr (June 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827721447
• ISBN-13: 978-0827721449
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,040,862 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.