THE BLUE ROSE

by Maurice Baring ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 1987

A literary fairy tale parable, by a minor British literary figure of the 1920's and 30's. The Chinese emperor declares that only the man who brings a blue rose to the palace may marry his wise daughter. Various suitors attempt to procure acceptable objects, either by purchase or threat of violence--a blue sapphire carved as a rose, a fine porcelain bowl exquisitely painted--but the princess refuses them. Falling in love with a wandering minstrel who serenades her by moonlight, she declares that the common white rose he plucks by the wayside and brings her is blue, and they are happily married. This mild romance is told with grace and a certain flair for words, although there is occasional awkward phrasing and the incorrect use of one pronoun. The illustrations, done in imitation of an oriental style as much Japanese as Chinese, are bright with intricately rendered detail, generally handsome, though some of the designs are mannered. But, by and large, an attractive picture book.

Pub Date: Jan. 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: William Heinemann--dist. by David & Charles

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S