The Little Mermaid (Hardcover)

~ Charles Santore (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

If the entries in Stories from Hans Christian Andersen (see review above) dilute the headiness of their models, this volume presents a close-to-pristine translation of one of Andersen's most popular works along with highly charged and rather adult illustrations. The mid-19th-century translation by Mary Howitt (a friend of Andersen's) fully embraces the story's sense of yearning, courage and tragedy. Only minor changes have been made, according to a publisher's note, chiefly, "eliminating some brief passages of heavily detailed description and moralizing." The prose here tends toward a somewhat removed elegance as opposed to a homely, conversational style. The art, however grand and lush the palace scenes, verges on the lurid when Santore trains his brush on the mermaid. She is eroticized, much like the figures in Charles Micolaycak's Orpheus. Young mermaid fanciers might do better with Mary Pope Osborne's Mermaid Tales from Around the World (reviewed June 28). Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-The story of the young mermaid who sacrifices her life for the human prince she loves is faithfully brought to life in this picture book. The text is largely unabridged and based on the translation by Mary Howitt, a contemporary and friend of the author who introduced his work to English-speaking audiences. The opulent full-page watercolors are a perfect complement to the fairy tale. Santore's sensuous depiction of the mermaids, with their floating, smoky curls, is suitably art nouveau and seems inspired by the works of Mucha and Beardsley. Through his clever use of contrasting palettes, the illustrations create two distinct worlds: the ethereal blues and greens of the Sea King's undersea realm, and the sun-drenched reds and golds of the prince's domain. The only awkward note in this book is the overcrowding of the small type and its jarring placement over the artwork. Caveat aside, this stylish and authentic interpretation of Andersen's tale feels like a much-needed sea breeze when compared to the diluted Disney version.
Denise Anton Wright, Illinois State University, Normal
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Gramercy; 1st ed edition (August 24, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517064952
• ISBN-13: 978-0517064955
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #627,263 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brillant and breathtaking, I loved everything about it!, August 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Little Mermaid: (Reissue) (Charles Santors) (Hardcover)

When I got this book I was turning twelve My sister got it for me and I thought "no big deal" but I opened this book and cried over the first page. It is very beutiful. Sarah Knapp age :13 (well, this Sept, 29th)

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Childhood Favorite, September 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Little Mermaid: (Reissue) (Charles Santors) (Hardcover)

When I was younger, about seven or eight, my mom got me this book, and i fell in love with it. The illustrations in it are beautiful! I would stay up at night just looking at the pictures. when i lost the book, i was going crazy trying to find it. But when i saw that amazon.com had it, i ordered a new one.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An all time favorite!, March 23, 2000

By	Ginamarie Temoshawsky "little kid in a woman'... (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Little Mermaid: (Reissue) (Charles Santors) (Hardcover)

I got this book years ago and fell in love with the story all over again. the illustrations are beautiful! I lost the book and was so happy to find it here at Amazon after haunting bookstores for years. I couldn't tell by a list of title which one was mine! I recognized the picture Amazon had immediately. This book would be for the older child or an adult. I got a copy for my daughter anyway so she can grow into it.