The Tale of the Firebird

by Gennady Spirin

Other authorsTatiana Popova (Translator)
Hardcover, 2002

Status

Available

Call number

398.2094702

Publication

Philomel Books (2002), Hardcover, 32 pages

Description

When Prince Ivan sets out to find the Firebird for his father the tsar, he must complete a series of tasks before obtaining the Firebird and winning the hand of a beautiful princess.

User reviews

LibraryThing member furthur66
A typical convoluted, bizare folk tale, but one with beautiful illustrations.
LibraryThing member ktibbs
This Russian folktale is a wonderful story with the theme demonstrating the importance of love and honesty. This folktale exemplifies the pattern of 3s....the main character has to go out on 3 different quest. In the end, his ability to do as he is instructed without trying to be sneaky and give
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into temptation pays off with the greatest reward of true love.
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LibraryThing member dcaitlyn
The art is ornate and lovely as a Faberge egg, as architecturally impressive as the Kremlin, and is definitely a visual representation of a wealthy, romantic and magical Russian dream world. The stylized, perhaps racially insensitive renderings of the exotic kings and their lands capture the
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popular image of them during the pre-colonial age rather than the reality of the middle east and far eastern dynasties and empires. The story is well crafted and the art breathtaking.
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LibraryThing member Whisper1
The images, as usual with art by Gennady Spirin are lush and magical. The tale however is long, convoluted and exceedingly difficult to follow. This is a story of a Tsar named Vasilyi. He had three sons. When it is discovered that the golden apples are stolen from the lush gardens. It is the
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elusive Firebird that is the culprit. Because of the beauty, the Tsar feels he must possess the Firebird.

Send each of his sons out to bring back the Firebird, The son Ivan Tsarevich comes upon a wolf to help him on the quest. Each time he is given a mission he is told not to touch that which he longs. Not only does the son want to capture the Firebird, but he also longs for the love of the beautiful Yelena. In the end through dedication and cunning, Ivan Tsarevich is successful in his quest.
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Language

Original publication date

2002

Physical description

32 p.; 11.7 inches

ISBN

0399235841 / 9780399235849

Local notes

Spirin adapts three Russian fairy tales to coin his own version of the story of the tsar's son and his quest for the dazzling firebird. This prince receives aid from a big gray wolf, who helps him through a number of trials. Their adventures take them to far-off kingdoms, to Baba Yaga's chicken-footed cottage and to the battlefield of Koshchei the Immortal. Ultimately, of course, Ivan-Tsarevitch not only finds the firebird but also rescues and wins the hand of princess Yelena the Beautiful.

Gorgeous illustrations, and an interesting blend of several tales.

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