Customer Reviews

The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The story of the legendary Russian hero Sadko comes from a byliny, an epic ballad, composed by a minstrel during medieval times, although today it is better known as an opera by Rimsky-Korsakova. The story is set in the city of Novgorod, which was on the banks of the River Volkhov on a major trade rout that made it the greatest commercial center of medieval Russia. "The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend," reflects the Russian legend that every river has its own nymph, who is the daughter of the great Sea King into whose water all rivers flow. At the start of this story Sadko is but a simple musician who lives in river port city of Novgorod the Great who spends each day attending the feasts of the city's rich merchants where he plays his 12-string gusli as the guests dance. But while many a fair maiden catches his eye, they all belong to rich families that would never accept a poor musician.

However, one night Sadko's music reaches the ears of the Sea King himself, who had come to the River Volkhov to visit his daughter, Volkhova. The Sea King insists that Sadko must come and play his wonderful music in the great hall of the huge palace beneath the sea. Even if the title of this legend was not "The Sea King's Daughter" you would already have an idea of where this story, retold by Aaron Shepard, is going. However, there is a very interesting twist to the tale and one which provides a nice insight in the Russian character. This is not a predictable story and young readers will be struck by how different it is from the other fairy tales on which they have grown up.

Regardless of what you think of the story, the illustrations by Gennady Spirin are worth picking up this oversized storybook. The front piece claims that these are watercolors, which I find hard to believe, but I am in no position to question the assertion. These are finely detailed illustrations that remind you of some of the most exquisite Renaissance paintings that you have seen, although these are clearly part of the folk art tradition as well (you do not see lobsters wearing armor on their legs in high art). The two-page spreads of the feast in Novgorod and the court of the Sea King are marvelously detailed. My favorite is the painting of the Sea King first appearing to Sadko. The cover painting of the title character is rather subdued in comparison and does not prepare you for the wondrous art you will find inside this book. .

As the mother of 2 adopted Russian children (and one biological), I am working toward putting together a collection of Russian story books that my children will treasure in years to come. The Sea King's Daughter, in addition to being a feast for the eyes, is also rich with history. In the beginning of the book, there is a whole history of Russia and where the story originates. It is fascinating and really gives a depth to the book that is hard to find in other children's fables and fairy tales.

The pictures are so amazing that it really generates discussion when we read it to our 6 year old. She likes to choose her favorite dress in the centerfold!

A delightful book - I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys richly illustrated and different children's books.

The Author Aaron Shephard gave me this book and I treasure it, since I am very keen on the classics and books that have excellent and engrossing.

It is a Russian tale of ancient heroes like the merchant musician Sadko which are as the book notes preseved in epic ballads known as byling (pronounced BIL-lin-ee) a term meaning "what has been". This is one treat that I like about the book. Beginning on page 30 Mr. Shepard explains the roots of the story and in doing so the reader is exposed to a rich culture of the legends.

Here is another children's book that I bought for Gennady Spirin's illustrations. What can I say? What a talented artist Spirin is. Look for yourself. You'll be surprised.

I first discovered the artwork of Gennady Spirin with a children's rendition of 'The Tempest'. The 'Sea King' is just as beautiful. Spirin seems to have been inspired by renaissance masters like Botticelli. His illustrations seem very mature, but I've read these books to my nieces and nephews and they peered over the pages with wonderment.

His old world style translates the tale vividly. I applaud his never underestimating a child's own ability to appreciate art.

A handsome retelling of this Russian folktale with superb illustrations by Gennady Spirin. A wonderful gift to give for all ages.

Gennady Spirin is one of the greatest illustrators of our day, adapting his style to various ages and lands. In this beautiful book he is in his homeland of Russia, and the costumes are exquisite! A must have for all lovers of water folk and faerie tales.

This book is a joy to look at, and the pictures will surely capture you child's imaginations. Set in long-ago Russia and the seas beneath, the story follows the brief love affair between a young minstrel and a mermaid. In the end, the young man choses to return to the land above the waves, but the bitter-sweet memory lingers. My 4-year-old mermaid daughter enjoyed it, but the book is probably more suited to slightly older kids and early readers.

This book should be on every child's shelf. Not only is the story captivating and enchanting, but the illustrations are magical beyond words.

This is a beautifully illustrated children's fairy tale. The illustrations are wonderful and the retold story is beautiful. I think both children and adults alike will enjoy this book. I highly recommend this delightful book.