The Carpet

Five British children discover in their new carpet an egg, which hatches into a phoenix that takes them on a series of fantastic adventures around the world.

English, that anyone can understand and packed with information. It's one of the best books on the subject. Book jacket.

The New York Times bestselling author of the Discworld series delivers “fantasy with comedic flair” in his debut novel and first children’s book (VOYA). In the beginning, there was nothing but endless flatness. Then came the Carpet . . . That’s the old story everyone knows and loves. But now the Carpet is home to many different tribes and peoples, and there’s a new story in the making. The story of Fray, sweeping a trail of destruction across the Carpet. The story of power-hungry mouls—and of two brothers who set out on an adventure to end all adventures when their village is flattened. It’s a story that will come to a terrible end—if someone doesn’t do something about it. If everyone doesn’t do something about it . . . First published in 1971, this hilarious and wise novel marked the debut of the phenomenal Sir Terry Pratchett. Years later, Sir Terry revised the work, and this special collectable edition includes the updated text, his original color and black-and-white illustrations, and an exclusive story—a forerunner to The Carpet People created by the seventeen-year-old nascent writer who would become one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. “Only a writer with a masterstroke of imagination could place an entire empire of goodies and baddies within the fronds of a carpet.”—Daily Mail “The perfect starting place for young readers; seasoned Pratchett fans will just revel in his wit, his subversion of tropes and his sense of humanity . . . Small in scale but large in pleasure.”—Kirkus Reviews “Brilliantly funny dialogue, high peaks of imagination.”—The Times

This book is a volume in the Penn Press Anniversary Collection. To mark its 125th anniversary in 2015, the University of Pennsylvania Press rereleased more than 1,100 titles from Penn Press's distinguished backlist from 1899-1999 that had fallen out of print. Spanning an entire century, the Anniversary Collection offers peer-reviewed scholarship in a wide range of subject areas.

Would you be happy if all your wishes could come true? Most people would assume the answer is "yes" but the five siblings of this story find out that it is not that simple. The adventure begins with a new carpet that has a glowing egg inside it and when it falls into an open fire it hatches a golden phoenix, the most famous of all mythical birds. The phoenix tells them that the carpet is enchanted, and it has the ability to grant the children three wishes every day. With the arrogant but wise bird by their side they go on amazing journeys. But not everything is as it seems, and the siblings learn that you have to be careful what you wish for. For fans of Frances Hodgson Burnett and Jonathan Rogers. Born in Kennington in 1858, Edith Nesbit wrote and co-authored over 60 beloved adventures at the beginning of the 20th century. Among her most popular books are "The Story of the Treasure-Seekers" (1899), "The Phoenix and the Carpet" (1904), and "The Railway Children" (1906). Many of her works became adapted to musicals, movies, and TV shows. Along with her husband Hubert Bland, she was among the first members of the Fabian society - a socialist debating club. A path in London close to her home was named "Railway Children Walk" in her honor, manifesting her legacy as one of the pioneers within the children’s fantasy genre.

Step into the enchanting world of "The Phoenix and the Carpet" by E. Nesbit and embark on an extraordinary adventure that will capture your imagination. Join four curious siblings-Cyril, Anthea, Robert, and Jane-as they stumble upon a mystical carpet hidden in their attic. Little do they know that this seemingly ordinary carpet holds the key to a realm of magic and wonder. As the children step onto the carpet, they are transported to faraway lands where thrilling escapades and mesmerizing encounters await them. But that's not all-their newfound journey is accompanied by a delightful surprise-a talking Phoenix emerging from an ancient egg woven within the carpet's threads. With the Phoenix as their guide, the siblings set off on a series of captivating quests, encountering fantastical creatures, unearthing hidden treasures, and learning invaluable life lessons along the way. However, their path is not without obstacles. They must outsmart mischievous characters, unravel perplexing riddles, and navigate through unforeseen challenges. "The Phoenix and the Carpet" weaves together elements of fantasy, adventure, and humor, inviting readers of all ages into a world where the impossible becomes possible.

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With an Introduction by Orson Scott Card, this imaginative work is by Andreas Eschbach, "incontestably the shooting star of the German SF scene" ("Heyne Science Fiction Yearbook").

Like other E. Nesbit stories, The Phoenix and the Carpet was initially published in The Strand Magazine. While The Railway Children or Five Children and It proved more popular, Phoenix has still been adapted into three BBC TV series and a film. The story picks up some time after the events of Five Children and It. The children are back in London and encounter another ancient, magical creature: this time a noble, beautiful, arrogant, and vain Phoenix. He comes with a magic carpet which the gang uses to go on adventures around the world. Some things don’t go as planned, but there are still opportunities to make others happy. As a female British author of children stories, E. Nesbit was not a typical early 20th century woman. Described as tomboy during her childhood, she grew up a staunch supporter of democratic socialism in a time when many were crushed under poverty. She was a founding member of the Fabian Society, and dedicated herself to charity work, so much so that she almost ended up in poverty. Nesbit’s stories continue to fascinate readers. Her dry wit and respect with which she engages children ensures that adults can also enjoy her tales. Her depiction of magic—how it follows rules which must be taught or learned, and the painful consequences when they are forgotten—has influenced the works of other writers such as P. L. Travers, C. S. Lewis, and J. K. Rowling. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.