Book details
The Railway Children: By Edith Nesbit : Illustrated
Description
The Railway Children is a children's book by Edith Nesbit, originally serialised in The London Magazine during 1905 and first published in book form in 1906. It has been adapted for the screen several times, of which the 1970 film version is the best known. The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography credits Oswald Barron, who had a deep affection for Nesbit, with having provided the plot. The setting is thought to be inspired by Edith's walks to Chelsfield railway station close to where she lived, and her observing the construction of the railway cutting and tunnel between Chelsfield and Knockholt. The story concerns a family who move from London to "The Three Chimneys", a house near the railway in Yorkshire, after the father, who works at the Foreign Office, is imprisoned after being falsely accused of spying. The children befriend an Old Gentleman who regularly takes the 9:15 train near their home he is eventually able to help prove their father's innocence, and the family is reunited. The family takes care of a Russian exile, Mr Szczepansky, who came to England looking for his family (later located) and Jim, the grandson of the Old Gentleman, who suffers a broken leg in a tunnel.The theme of an innocent man being falsely imprisoned for espionage and finally vindicated might have been influenced by the Dreyfus Affair, which was a prominent worldwide news item a few years before the book was written. The Russian exile, persecuted by the Tsars for writing "a beautiful book about poor people and how to help them" and subsequently helped by the children, was most likely an amalgam of the real-life dissidents Sergius Stepniak and Peter Kropotkin who were both friends of the author.The book refers to the then current Russo-Japanese War and to attitudes taken by British people to the war. This dates the setting to the spring, summer and early autumn of 1905, and also accounts for the very hostile opinions of Tsarist Russia expressed in the book.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
162 pages
Why to read
- Classic Literature: 'The Railway Children' by Edith Nesbit is a timeless classic that has been cherished by readers for generations. Reading it allows you to experience a piece of literary history and understand the themes that have resonated with audiences for over a century.
- Moral Lessons: The story is rich with moral lessons, making it not just an entertaining read but also a source of valuable life lessons. Themes such as kindness, resilience, and the importance of family are woven throughout the narrative, offering readers, especially children, important takeaways.
- Emotional Depth: Edith Nesbit's writing captures the emotional journey of the characters in a way that is both heartfelt and engaging. Readers are drawn into the struggles and triumphs of the Railway Children, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Illustrated Edition: An illustrated version of 'The Railway Children' enhances the reading experience by providing visual context to the story. The illustrations can help bring the characters and settings to life, making the book more accessible and enjoyable, particularly for younger readers or those who appreciate visual storytelling.