{"title":"Books by Charles Kingsley","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780199685455","title":"The Water -Babies","description":"'this is all a fairy tale...and, therefore, you are not to believe a word of it, even if it is true'\n\nThe Water-Babies (1863) is one of the strangest and most powerful children's stories ever written.\n\nIn describing the underwater adventures of Tom, a chimney-sweeper's boy who is transformed into a water-baby after he drowns, Charles Kingsley combined comic fantasy and moral fable to extraordinary effect. Tom's encounters with friendly fish, curious lobsters, and characters such as Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby are both an exciting fairy tale and a crash course in evolutionary theory. They also reflect the quirky imagination of one of the great Victorian eccentrics. Tom's adventures are constantly interrupted by Kingsley's sideswipes at contemporary issues such as child labour and the British education system, and they offer a rich satiric take on the great scientific debates of the day.\n\nThis edition reprints the original complete version of the story, and includes a lively introduction, detailed explanatory notes, and an appendix that reprints Kingsley's first attempt to describe the mysterious creatures that live under the sea.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43201585709234,"sku":"9780199685455","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780199685455.jpg?v=1786012733"},{"product_id":"9780007449460","title":"The Water Babies","description":"HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics.‘In fact, the fairies had turned him into a water-baby. A water-baby? You never heard of a water-baby. Perhaps not. That is the very reason why this story was written.’Poor Tom is an orphan, employed by the underhand Grimes as a chimney sweep. While cleaning a chimney one day, Tom becomes lost and appears in Ellie’s bedroom. She mistakes him for a thief and he flees in fright, down to the edge of a stream where he falls asleep. In his dreamlike world, he becomes a water baby, swimming with the other water babies and discovering an aquatic playground full of strange and wonderful characters.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56220490072437,"sku":"9780007449460","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780007449460_b901fc7c-7aa7-4341-8f1a-9c412a5c42e8.jpg?v=1785658965"},{"product_id":"9780143105091","title":"The Water Babies","description":"\u003cb\u003eThe beloved Victorian children's tale now available in its original unabridged edition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInstantly popular upon its initial publication in 1863, \u003ci\u003eThe Water Babies\u003c\/i\u003e is at once a bewitching childhood fantasy and a skillfully woven moral allegory. Tom, a young chimney sweep, escapes his horrendous job and his cruel boss, Grimes, when fairies plunge him into a fantastical world under the sea. As he meets and befriends his fellow water babies, as well as all sorts of sea creatures, he begins to learn some valuable lessons. Much in demand by scholars, this authoritative new edition featuring the Victorian illustrations from early editions will charm children and adults alike.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56225317192053,"sku":"9780143105091","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780143105091_91c86606-2006-4498-86e3-73a6af605975.jpg?v=1786011550"},{"product_id":"9781019616239","title":"The Roman and Teuton a Series of Lectures","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginally delivered as lectures at Cambridge University, this book explores the histories and cultures of two key civilizations of the European continent. Kingsley and Müller provide insightful analyses of the Roman and Germanic societies, highlighting their similarities and differences. A must-read for students of history and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis work is in the \"public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eScholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56295772619125,"sku":"9781019616239","price":27.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"9781804177884","title":"The Water-Babies","description":"A stunning new edition with deluxe cover treatments, ribbon markers, luxury endpapers and gilded edges. The unabridged text is accompanied by a Glossary of Victorian and Literary terms produced for the modern reader.A masterpiece of nostalgia, Charles Kingsley's Victorian classic tells of Tom, a young chimney sweep who falls into a river and, becoming a water-baby, is guided back to humanity through a series of adventures, each with a moral lesson. Part of the fascination with the book today is the reflection of Victorian-era debates about poverty, working children and the eternal conflict between nature vs nurture.The FLAME TREE COLLECTABLE CLASSICS are chosen to create a delightful and timeless home library.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56307448217973,"sku":"9781804177884","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781804177884_6bfa2c40-c96b-4afb-b2af-c8566179dc36.jpg?v=1786026753"},{"product_id":"9781909621404","title":"The Water-Babies","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfter being chased from the home of an upper-class young girl called Ellie, chimney-sweep Tom falls asleep and tumbles into a river. There he is transformed into a 'water-baby' and his adventures truly begin. Beneath the surface, he enters a magical world full of strange and wonderful creatures, where he must prove his moral worth in order to earn what he truly desires.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most unusual children's books ever written, \u003ci\u003eThe Water-Babies\u003c\/i\u003e, subtitled 'A Fairy Tale for a Land-Baby', was originally intended as a satire in support of Charles Darwin's \u003ci\u003eOn the Origin of Species\u003c\/i\u003e, and explores many of the issues at the forefront of biologists' minds at the time. First published as a complete novel in 1863, Charles Kingsley's classic tale also explores ideas about religion, the Victorian education system and the working conditions of children and the poor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith glorious black and white illustrations by W. Heath Robinson and an introduction by author and journalist Christina Hardyment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesigned to appeal to the book lover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308390691189,"sku":"9781909621404","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781909621404_51449f05-11f9-4eba-8929-a30604a495f5.jpg?v=1786029720"},{"product_id":"9783752303322","title":"Hereward","description":"Reproduction of the original: Hereward  by Charles Kingsley","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56310773318005,"sku":"9783752303322","price":46.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9783752303322_dd0f78b2-fb79-4e60-a03c-5414120496a4.jpg?v=1786032149"},{"product_id":"9783752356373","title":"Hypatia","description":"Reproduction of the original: Hypatia  by Charles Kingsley","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56310775578997,"sku":"9783752356373","price":66.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9783752356373_61e69b1f-2e38-467d-ba5d-f94467877cf8.jpg?v=1786031384"},{"product_id":"water-babies","title":"The Water Babies","description":"When Tom, an ill-treated little chimney-sweep, jumps into a clear, cool stream to clean himself something magical happens; he is turned into a tiny water baby by the fairies. He enters a strange, magical underwater world, and travels beyond the world's end to the other end-of-nowhere, getting into all sorts of scrapes and encountering creatures beautiful and frightening along the way. He also learns many important lessons - it is a voyage of discovery that Tom will never forget.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57466809123189,"sku":"9780140367362","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780140367362.jpg?v=1785654875"},{"product_id":"westward-ho","title":"Westward Ho!","description":"Westward Ho!' is a historical novel written by Charles Kingsley and written around 1855. Set in the late 16th century, the book follows the adventures of Amyas Leigh, a young Englishman, and his companions as they embark on a journey across the seas to the New World. The novel delves into themes of exploration, colonization, and religious conflict during the Elizabethan era. Amyas and his fellow adventurers encounter pirates, Spanish conquistadors, and indigenous peoples as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Atlantic and the jungles of South America. Kingsley's vibrant prose brings to life the exhilaration and perils of maritime exploration, portraying the bravery, loyalty, and ambition of the characters. Through their trials and triumphs, the novel explores notions of honor, justice, and the clash of cultures.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57495369482613,"sku":"9789358719581","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789358719581.jpg?v=1786618049"},{"product_id":"yeasta-problem-edition2024","title":"Yeast A Problem","description":"Yeast: A Problem by Charles Kingsley is a socio-political novel that blends social critique with moral and religious inquiry. The novel explores themes of class disparity, social justice, and the responsibility of the elite toward the rural poor in 19th-century England. Through the character of Lancelot Smith, a wealthy young man who undergoes a transformative journey, Kingsley delves into the moral dilemmas and social responsibilities of the upper classes. Lancelot becomes aware of the harsh economic, social, and unsanitary conditions facing the rural working class, prompting a reevaluation of his views on religion and society. The book engages with the \"\"Condition-of-England\"\" question, critiquing the apathy of the educated and wealthy classes toward the plight of the laboring poor.Yeast offers a strong social commentary on the inequalities of the time. The book is also notable for its early focus on unsanitary conditions and disease in rural areas, emphasizing the stark contrast between urban and rural poverty. Ultimately, Yeast advocates for social reform, personal growth, and a more compassionate society.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57495463526773,"sku":"9789368097327","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789368097327.jpg?v=1786618134"},{"product_id":"hypatia-or-new-foes-with-an-old-face","title":"Hypatia Or New Foes With An Old Face","description":"\"Hypatia or New Foes with an Old Face\" is a historical novel written by Charles Kingsley. The novel is set in 5th-century Alexandria and is loosely based on the life of the philosopher Hypatia. The story follows the lives of several characters, including Hypatia, a pagan philosopher; Cyril, the Bishop of Alexandria; and Raphael Aben-Ezra, a Jewish merchant. The novel explores the conflict between paganism and Christianity in ancient Alexandria and the tensions that arise as the two religions clash. The characters are complex, and their actions are shaped by their beliefs and their desire to protect their own interests. As the story unfolds, the city of Alexandria is torn apart by religious and political tensions. Hypatia, who is a respected and influential philosopher, becomes a target of the Christian zealous who see her as a threat to their faith. Meanwhile, Raphael Aben-Ezra, who is a successful merchant, becomes embroiled in the conflict as he tries to protect his family and his business. To read the complete story, readers should go through this amazing book!","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57495507173749,"sku":"9789358016291","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789358016291.jpg?v=1786618173"},{"product_id":"hereward-the-last-of-the-english","title":"Hereward The Last of the English","description":"\"Hereward\" is a historical novel written by Charles Kingsley. The novel follows the life of Hereward from his early years as a rebellious youth to his rise as a leader of the resistance against the Normans. Along the way, he forms close bonds with other rebels and outcasts, including his loyal follower, Martin Lightfoot, and the powerful Danish king, Sweyn Estrithson. Through vividly drawn battle scenes and descriptions of medieval life, \"Hereward\" offers a rich and detailed portrayal of the political and social upheaval of the time. The novel also explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the struggle for justice in the face of oppression. Kingsley's \"Hereward\" is notable for its blend of historical fact and fictionalized elements. While the novel is based on the life of a real historical figure, Kingsley also takes liberties with the story, adding his own imaginative flourishes and details to create a compelling narrative.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57495509959029,"sku":"9789358017120","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9789358017120.jpg?v=1786618175"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-charles-kingsley.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}