The Box of Delights (Classic Mammoth)

My father loved it as a child (1930s), so did I (1960s) and my own children, too (1990s). Not quite as good as Masefield's "The Midnight Folk" (the ending is a disappointment) but still worth five stars. People who know and love these two books are a fortunate lot. Join us!


A slice of seasonal magic   October 26, 2000
16 out of 19 found this review helpful

This is a splendid book - a rollicking adventure, a battle between good and evil, and a marvellous evocation of a child's Christmas in days that are dead. Beautifully written, full of atmosphere and very well paced, it would undoubtedly deserve five stars if it were not for an ending of astounding unoriginality which will be very familiar to teachers of creative writing in schools accross the country. But don't worry about that - the rest is pure magic.


A Christmas delight for all the family   October 25, 1999
34 out of 38 found this review helpful

This is a classic book by one of England's greatest childrens authors, prefiguring Harry Potter by over 50 years. Set in the snowy English countryside in between the wars, it is the story of a young boy's entrance to a magical land of ancient legend and folklore, through the discovery of a mysterious puzzle box. At times beautifully descriptive and thought provoking, it is also eerie and frightening in parts (with a running theme of shape changing rats and wolves), and may not be suitable for younger children. The book is wonderfully festive and would make a lovely Christmas present, the story stands the test of time and will be read again and again by many generations.