The Water Babies

In this classic Victorian fairy tale, a young chimney sweep runs away from his cruel master, tumbling into a magical underwater world of fairies and other whimsical creatures who teach him about truth, mercy, justice, courage, and other virtues. Although Charles Kingsley's 1863 fable can be read as simply a charming morality tale, it also blends elements of a scientific satire and a political tract. Kingsley not only parodied the controversy surrounding the still-new concept of natural selection, but also helped foster legislation protecting abused children like his young hero. This wondrous hardcover collectible includes a dozen full-page color plates plus numerous line drawings by one of the most prominent female artists of the Golden Age of Illustration.