Wood Magic

This book took me by suprise. It laughed aloud so much - Bevis does such funny things, although he doesn't know it. He is so dramatic and determined. I think he is just like every little boy. An insight to children, although I must say that Bevis was a hellion. The animals all talk - but only to Bevis. They are hilarious! The weasel is definitely my favorite character. From Clocktaw the Jackdaw to King Kapchack, I was immersed in this world. I now view birds in an entirely new light. The story is actually quite complex. This book was ground breaking for it's time. And is a delight to read. I thouroughly enjoyed it. Richard Jefferies - a truely talented writer. Magic'

While not as great a piece of literature, this book was a necessary predecessor to Kenneth Grahame's classic Wind in the Willows. The transcendental pleasure of a child free in the fields and woods, oblivious to all but this timeless moment, is expressed beautifully by this master nature writer who is so under-appreciated here in the States. The plot weakens in places, and judged by that and action only, the book would disappoint, but the charm and poignancy of some moments is unmatched. No one enchanted by fine talking animal books should miss this distillation of childhood's mood.