A beautiful cloth-covered reissue of Shakespeare’s classic tale, originally published in 1945.

When the Fairy Queen, Titania, and King of the Fairies, Oberon, argue about who should be responsible for a little changeling boy, Oberon and his servant, Puck, cast a mischievous spell on Titania. This spell causes her to fall madly in love with weaver Nick Bottom who, unbeknownst to him, has been given the head of a donkey.

Fortunately, after they’ve had their fun, Oberon realises the error of his ways and sets out to reverse the spell and make amends with Titania.

The story has been rewritten in a mixture of prose and sections of Shakespeare’s original verse.  This is perfect, as it means that readers are exposed to the rhythms and cadence of Shakespeare whilst also being able to follow the story.

Phyllis Bray’s artwork beautifully captures the dreamlike mood of the story, with a dazzling array of fairies, magical creatures and enchanted gardens to feast your eyes upon. Born in 1911, Bray was a founding member of the East London Group and taught art to local people who went on to exhibit alongside some of the masters.

A gorgeous introduction to the worlds and characters who inhabit Shakespeare’s ‘A Mid-summer Night’s Dream.’

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Pavilion Books for sending me this title to review*