The King of the Golden River - Illustrated by Arthur Rackham Paperback – Illustrated, 19 February 2013

Very thin book, newspaper quality paper, only 3 B&W illustration pages. Not worth even 50

My wife wanted this book as John Ruskin is an ancestor of hers her mother’s maiden name being Ruskin. She said it was a good story to read to grandchildren.

My father used to read this one to me, and I loved it. My son loved it at that age, too. It is a very good read-aloud book, Ruskin's fairy tale of three brothers based on folk tales as old as language. The elder brothers are selfish and ungracious, and they get what's coming to them; the youngest brother is kind and generous and gets what he deserves, too. Wonderful, satisfying poetic justice that I think children respond to. And Rackham's illustrations, as always, are perfect.

Don't waste your money on this book by Pook press. The only plate you're going to get is the one on the front cover, the other 3 are missing. Printing paper really coarse and of cheap-looking quality. What a joke to say the least. Try to find the older versions of this book if you can.

This is a wonderful Victorian classic story with a strong moral, beautifully told. All children should read it. I wish it were available in a nice, affordable hard-cover edition.