Water-Babies (Oxford World's Classics)

'This is all a fairy tale...and, therefore, you are not to believe a word of it, even if it is true.' The Water-Babies (1863) is one of the strangest and most powerful children's stories ever written. Charles Kingsley's work combined comic fantasy and moral fable to extraordinary effect in describing the underwater adventures of Tom, a chimney-sweeper's boy who is transformed into a water-baby after he drowns. Tom's encounters with friendly fish, curious lobsters, and characters such as Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby are both an exciting fairy tale and a crash course in evolutionary theory, reflecting the quirky imagination of one of the great Victorian eccentrics.

The original complete version of the story is reprinted in this edition, which includes a lively introduction, detailed explanatory notes, and an appendix that reprints Kingsley's first attempt to describe the mysterious creatures that live under the sea. Tom's adventures are constantly interrupted by Kingsley's sideswipes at contemporary issues such as child labour and the British education system, offering a rich satiric take on the great scientific debates of the day.

The Water-Babies is a captivating and thought-provoking work that has stood the test of time. Kingsley's imaginative storytelling and his ability to blend fantasy, morality, and social commentary make this classic children's tale a must-read for anyone interested in Victorian literature or the evolution of children's fiction. Whether you believe a word of it or not, The Water-Babies is a masterful and enduring work that continues to enchant and inspire readers of all ages.

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