Tower of London, The [Hardcover]

Leonard Everett Fisher (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

History as only Leonard Everett Fisher can describe it, The Tower of London is an irresistible portrait of this mighty monument, where even today visitors feel haunted by its chilling past. Black-and-white illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Many a rebel head has rolled since the Tower of London was built in the 11th century. This liberally illustrated book highlights the little-known aspects as well as the legendary tales about the dark tower, symbol of power for the royal line. Thirteen episodic sketches move in easy style, without excess detail: the story of Anne Boleyn; how a bishop once escaped prison by getting the guards drunk and climbing down a rope; how Henry III turned the tower into a zoo; how Wat Tyler stormed the tower with a group of overtaxed farmers; and how Richard II lost the throne. Today the Tower is a landmark museum, where axes and racks still stand, and ravens are still tended there, for legends say that when the last one leaves the Tower, the nation will fall. Fisher's moody black-and-white artfull of shadowy gray toneswell suit the book's somber subject. For dramatic nonfiction, this book sets a high standard in the genre. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6 The Tower of London was begun by William the Conquerer and added to by later British monarchs to become the symbol of royal power. Fisher highlights the role of the Tower as a royal residence and as a prison. The alleged murder of the young princes by Richard III, Henry VII's imprisonment of his enemies and confiscation of their wealth, and Anne Boleyn's beheading are highlighted. The black-and-white illustrations are mostly bland, but sometimes overly sensational, as in the case of the two wide-eyed princes cowering in the shadows. It's unfortunate that there are no maps and only one diagram, as these would have brought more clarity to the text. The lack of a geneological chart may make it difficult for young readers to fully understand the part the Tower has played in the long and complex history of Great Britain. David N. Pauli, Northern Waters Library Service, Ashland, Wis.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (September 30, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027353702
• ISBN-13: 978-0027353709
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,109,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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