The Water Babies - Charles Kingsley

1 was available / secondhand

R55.00

Shipping

R65.00 Standard shipping applies to orders under R100.00, in most areas in South Africa. R35.00 Standard shipping applies to orders over R100.00. Some areas may attract a surcharge surcharge. This will be calculated at checkout if applicable.
Check my rate

The seller allows collection for this item. Buyers will receive the collection address and time once the order is ready.

The seller has indicated that they will usually have this item ready to ship within 3 business days. Shipping time depends on your delivery address. The most accurate delivery time will be calculated at checkout, but in general, the following shipping times apply:

Standard Delivery

Main centres:	1-3 business days
Regional areas:	3-4 business days
Remote areas:	3-5 business days

Seller

Book Finder2911

100.00 % Positive ratings

Buyer protection

How you're covered

Get it now, pay later

Condition

Secondhand

Location

South Africa

Customer ratings:

1 ratings

Bob Shop ID

44717066

I had this version of the book when I was a child and ADORED it. The story is fantastic and the illustrations I would stare at for ages! Loved it! Can't wait to read it to my children!

A much underrated and neglected gem of children's writing, The Water Babies is a book many people have heard of but few have actually read. It is a carefully-constructed C19th tale in which delicate, humorous sketches and caricatures of the era's wealthy and servant classes are contrasted with intricate studies of the urban poor. Unwittingly, the central figure Tom, a scrawny infant chimney-sweep, embarks on an adventurous, surreal underwater existence, which results in his dramatic moral progression.

It can be read on a variety of levels - as a profound philosophical exploration; as a moral entreaty for the improvement of social conditions; as an early example of science fiction; or as an alternative magical children's world. The imagery is delightful and inventive and Kingsley writes with a deft, simple elegance that makes for very easy reading. There are many moments of truly exquisite poetry such as when Tom sits alone on a rock, listening to the sounds of the countryside animals in the cool night around him.

The Water Babies is an extraordinary novel and well worth rediscovering.

Some surface scratching on cover but book in excellent condition!! Pages neat and clean and binding tight. Postage and packaging R30. Allow one week for delivery and a tracking no will be issued within 48 hours of purchase.