A beautiful continuation of the stories begun in Puck of Pook’s Hill.
Plot
It has been a year since Una and Dan called the Old One Puck out on Midsummer’s Eve, but he’s back, bringing with him a whole menagerie of historical figures - some new, some old acquaintances of the children. With Puck and the children, meet Queen Elizabeth and hear of Sir Francis Drake, the Iron Men of the Downs, Saxons and Frenchmen, and even Harold of Hastings himself.
Morality
As in the previous books, morality itself is never addressed. Right and wrong are things taken for granted and assumed by all.
Spiritual Content
There are mentions of pagan gods, ancient superstitions, spells and lore, saints and churches, but only in as much as they interact with the historical periods in which they were contained. A man is called to trade one eye for the secret of the iron knife to protect his people from wolves; an astrologer physician learns in a superstitious, round-about way that rats carry the plague.
Violence
There are fights and scuffles related throughout the book, as is typical of history. But as all these stories are being told to the children Una and Dan, nothing is graphic or unseemly.
Drug and Alcohol Content
There are passing mentions of wine and drunkenness; again, nothing described in detail as to upset a child.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
This book is lesser known than its predecessor, but I consider it just as good. It was wonderful to have some of the old characters return, such as Sir Richard, and it was delightful to meet the new cast and get a colorful glimpse of history through their eyes. Puck returns, large as life, a wonderful hero and a constant in the turning chapters of history. With remarkable ease Kipling brings him back, along with the children, who are very much a year older and quite mature. Interspersed throughout the tales, as with Puck of Pook’s Hill, are some of Kipling’s poems, among which are the famous ‘Way Through the Woods’ and ‘If—’. Again, one of the author’s dear and timeless tales.
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