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Illustrated text of the carol about the kindness of Wenceslas, duke of Bohemia.
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LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Good King Wenceslas, illustrated by Tim Ladwig
Originally written in the nineteenth century, the words to this beloved Christmas song were penned by English hymnwriter John Mason Neale, set to a thirteenth-century carol, Tempus adest floridum, and published in Neale's 1853 collection, Carols for
This picture-book edition of the carol (there are several) was illustrated in watercolor, liquid acrylic and oil, by Tim Ladwig, and the result is just gorgeous! The wintry landscapes have a lovely, bluish-tone to them, that evokes a feeling of biting cold, and contrasts nicely with the indoor scenes, with their warmer, golden hues. I liked the fact that King Wenceslas' page (and his dog) bore such a strong resemblance to the young boy in the brief, two-page introduction to the story behind the carol, as this little visual detail invites young readers to imagine themselves into the story. I didn't like that some of the lyrics were adapted, to make the text more accessible for contemporary young readers, as the changes felt unnecessary to me.
Leaving that aside, I really enjoyed this picture-book presentation of the carol, which I read while also listening to a recording, done by the Deller Consort! I look forward to comparing it with the other picture-book editions that I currently have checked out of the library, including Geraldine McCaughrean's Wenceslas, and John Wallner's Good King Wenceslas.
Originally written in the nineteenth century, the words to this beloved Christmas song were penned by English hymnwriter John Mason Neale, set to a thirteenth-century carol, Tempus adest floridum, and published in Neale's 1853 collection, Carols for
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Christmas-Tide. The story in the song - which sees the eponymous King Wenceslas setting out one bitter St. Stephen's Day (December 26th), to bring food and fuel to an impoverished peasant - was inspired by the historical figure of (Saint) Wenceslaus I, a tenth-century Bohemian king, and the patron saint of the Czech Republic.This picture-book edition of the carol (there are several) was illustrated in watercolor, liquid acrylic and oil, by Tim Ladwig, and the result is just gorgeous! The wintry landscapes have a lovely, bluish-tone to them, that evokes a feeling of biting cold, and contrasts nicely with the indoor scenes, with their warmer, golden hues. I liked the fact that King Wenceslas' page (and his dog) bore such a strong resemblance to the young boy in the brief, two-page introduction to the story behind the carol, as this little visual detail invites young readers to imagine themselves into the story. I didn't like that some of the lyrics were adapted, to make the text more accessible for contemporary young readers, as the changes felt unnecessary to me.
Leaving that aside, I really enjoyed this picture-book presentation of the carol, which I read while also listening to a recording, done by the Deller Consort! I look forward to comparing it with the other picture-book editions that I currently have checked out of the library, including Geraldine McCaughrean's Wenceslas, and John Wallner's Good King Wenceslas.
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LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Good King Wenceslas, illustrated by Jamichael Henterly.
Taking the words of the beloved Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas, as its text, this lovely holiday picture-book features the artwork of Jamichael Henterly, and sets out the story of a good deed done by the eponymous Wenceslas (a figure
Unlike the other picture-book presentation of this carol that I have read, illustrated by Tim Ladwig, which features a brief introduction to the carol, and a historical afterword, this version is confined to the actual text of the song, with music included at the rear. I don't think the artwork is quite as accomplished here - it has less of the sweeping wintry feeling of the Ladwig - but it is still quite appealing, with its somewhat more intimate atmosphere. It also features a Wenceslas that, in his red cloak, looks suspiciously like another holiday gift giver. A deliberate choice, on Henterly's part? Hard to say. Although I think I prefer the Ladwig, I still recommend this edition to anyone who is a fan of the carol, and looking for illustrated editions!
Taking the words of the beloved Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas, as its text, this lovely holiday picture-book features the artwork of Jamichael Henterly, and sets out the story of a good deed done by the eponymous Wenceslas (a figure
Show More
based upon tenth-century Czech king and saint, Wenceslaus I) and his page. Making their way through the bitter cold one St. Stephen's Day, they bring food and fuel to an impoverished peasant and his family, demonstrating that those who show generosity are rewarded in turn.Unlike the other picture-book presentation of this carol that I have read, illustrated by Tim Ladwig, which features a brief introduction to the carol, and a historical afterword, this version is confined to the actual text of the song, with music included at the rear. I don't think the artwork is quite as accomplished here - it has less of the sweeping wintry feeling of the Ladwig - but it is still quite appealing, with its somewhat more intimate atmosphere. It also features a Wenceslas that, in his red cloak, looks suspiciously like another holiday gift giver. A deliberate choice, on Henterly's part? Hard to say. Although I think I prefer the Ladwig, I still recommend this edition to anyone who is a fan of the carol, and looking for illustrated editions!
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LibraryThing member MaowangVater
Neale’s 1853 hymn written to inspire Christians to the virtue of giving and hospitality on Boxing Day, the feast of Saint Stephen (December 26), because the song’s monarch treks a league out of his way braving harsh winter weather to provide food and drink to a peasant. Since the middle ages
Ladwig’s vivid illustrations alternately contrast warmth and comfort of the King’s larder with the and freezing cold of “the rude wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.” The picture book introduces the reader to Wenceslas I or Václav the Good the late tenth century Duke of Bohemia—he was later promoted to King by Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great (Otto I, der Grosse, 912-973)—by a picture of his statue in Prague. Following the illustrated, slightly adapted lyrics to the song concludes with a historical note about the hymn noting that the tune is that of a 16th century spring carol followed by the music with the original lyrics.
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Boxing Day has been traditionally a day for people to take boxes of food and goods to those less fortunate who were in need. As Neal’s final verse emphasizes “Therefore Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing; Ye who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.”Ladwig’s vivid illustrations alternately contrast warmth and comfort of the King’s larder with the and freezing cold of “the rude wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.” The picture book introduces the reader to Wenceslas I or Václav the Good the late tenth century Duke of Bohemia—he was later promoted to King by Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great (Otto I, der Grosse, 912-973)—by a picture of his statue in Prague. Following the illustrated, slightly adapted lyrics to the song concludes with a historical note about the hymn noting that the tune is that of a 16th century spring carol followed by the music with the original lyrics.
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