The Lady of Shalott - Softcover

Charles Keeping was born in Lambeth, South London. He illustrated over 100 books and is widely recognised as one of the most brilliant artists of his generation. His last book, Adam and Paradise Island was published by Oxford in 1989. He died in May, 1988.

Grade 7 Up The beauty and mystery of Tennyson's poem are reflected in the black-and-white, simple line and wash drawings of this master British illustrator. Through fluid, delicate line, readers see the causeway path to Shalott streaming with villagers and carters; passing knights; reapers in moonlit fields. Then the enigmatic lady is shown, as is her bolting outside after the dazzling Lancelot has passed in her mirror. The stormy skies at nightfall and the wind streaming her hair are wonderfully felt. The illustrations have a muted earthiness that helps place the pictured events in the realm of fancy; the unknowing Lancelot's few words of sympathy add the grace note to the close, where Keeping's cluster of knights' faces seem more human than traditionally heroic. The endpapers view the lady from above, lying in the boat as ``singing in her song she died.'' Several typos mar the text, but where a single illustrated poem can be used, this is a good if stark production. Ruth M. McConnell, San Antonio Public Library, Tex.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.