A SONG FOR CLOWNS

by Barbara Wersba ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 7, 1965

Only sing the truth"" said Jasper Lightfoot as he made Humphrey Tapwell into a wandering minstrel. And that is, what Humphrey did as he wandered about England singing about the tyranny of the King, who had abolished almost everything. Four strangers that he met on the road, and a dancing bear accompanied him as they eventually located the King who turned out to be, not a monster, but a tired old recluse Diving alone in a shabby castle. He had hoped to do away with all that was imperfect, but when he masqueraded as a member of Humphrey's band he saw the harm he had incurred. The story includes several anti-climaxes and in spite of the hero's efforts against injustice, it lacks the power of a classic and is simply an airy flight of fancy with some light, whimsical details. The striking decorations and illustrations by Mario Rivoli are a blend of Celtic intricacy and art nouveau sinuousity.

Pub Date: Sept. 7, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1965

Categories: FICTION