The Enchanted Island of Yew (Illustrated First Edition): 100th Anniversary Edition

I have been curious to read this book since I first heard of it 50 years ago. I collect Oz books and have been collecting them since I found a few on the top shelf when I was a kid. I appreciate that this edition uses the original illustrations. I have quibbles with the reproduction of those illustrations as even if they are in black and white they could have been more effectively prepped digitally to read better - they are quite gray and needed a bit more play digitally to be effective in black and white. But beggars can't be choosers and it is better than going with a modern illustrator. The stories are of an era and having the original illustrations help one to remember that. I am glad that this first edition reprint was published even if it is quite imperfect.With regard to the story itself, it is of the time and many bits seem peculiarly not child friendly by today's standards. The hero Prince Marvel is really a girl fairy who asks to be transformed into a boy for a year so she can have adventures... because girls can't have adventures in quite the same way. Prince Marvel rescues a young prince (around 15) who loves to be treated badly and humiliated... at one point he describes being captured by robbers, stripped and beaten and then dressed in rags - all of which he enjoyed very much. Prince Marvel and this newly acquired squire travel about getting into trouble and sorting out problems in assorted kingdoms on the island. There is discussion of hangings and beheadings and rather dark doings, amid discussion of the importance of beauty to be happy - by today's standards, it is a peculiar read. But it is entertaining if you take it for what it is - a look back in time to when class differences were important. Those born "well" are due service from those who are not born well. It is what it is. But it was a fun read, and the illustrations were inspiring to see even in their grayed out incarnation.

My niece loves the OZ books and this was a great addition.