The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1901) ****
I can't remember whether I was really into this as a child, but it's nostalgic all the same and idyllically rural when it's not being an exciting action movie.
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (1903) ***
Points for the lovely and imaginative illustrations, but I was more ticked off than the owl.
The Tailor of Gloucester (1903) ***
Not really her story and too long to read to a toddler. It's quite nice, regardless.
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (1904) **
Unnecessary cash-in sequel, unless you were really concerned about Peter's loose threads.
The Tale of Two Bad Mice (1904) ****
Honourable thieves get pranked by a doll's house. Good, clean fun.
The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle (1905) *
They've gone from antiquated cute to insufferably twee now. They don't even have recognisable animal characteristics any more. And the names, eugh.
The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan (1905) *
Being a Stewart Lee fan, you'd think I'd enjoy a brief joke being stretched to its unbearable limit.
The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher (1906) **
The most action since Peter Rabbit, but an amphibian wearing rainclothes is about as stupid as these get.
The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit (1906) **
A very short story written for the very young, though the bit where a hunter shoots our fluffy protagonist involved a few concepts I didn't really want to introduce at this stage.
The Story of Miss Moppet (1906) ***
A more wholesome shortie, predating Tom and Jerry by a war or two. I can see her liking this one.
The Tale of Tom Kitten (1907) *
A delightful yarn of vanity and child abuse. None of these are aimed at me, but some of them less than others.
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck (1908) ***
Surprisingly one of the heavier entries, with the pervading dread of a Red Riding Hood. The detailed farm, wood and village renderings root her fancies in reality.
The Invisible Man (1897) ***
Not the answer to Jekyll & Hyde I was hoping for from the science fiction patriarch, but at least he thought through the consequences.
The First Men in the Moon (1901) ****
Adorably quaint odd-couple gravpunk adventure. Jules Verne with characterisation.
Songs of Experience (1795) ****
The more accomplished, depressing and enduringly relevant expansion, though you really need the base set and the artwork to get the full benefit. I return every few years and it's somehow different each time.
The Maker (1960) ***
Philosophical prose poetry and other fragments that didn't lend themselves to extrapolation. I guess he was more into the essays now.
Faves: 'The Maker,' 'Parable of the Palace,' 'Borges and I.'
