
The Story of the Treasure Seekers
by Edith Nesbit
'The Story of the Treasure Seekers' Summary
The six Bastable children are plunged into grief when their mother dies and their father's business partner cheats him of all his money. As a result, he loses not only his fortune but also his good name. However, the children decide to lend a hand. Determined to restore both, the children set out to find some way of making money. A variety of amusing and exciting events follow as they plunge into a series of scrapes in search of a legendary lost treasure.
Published in 1899, The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E Nesbit was her first children's novel. It has had an immense influence on children's literature and was reputedly JK Rowling's favorite children's book. Others like CS Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia) and many other British and American writers were inspired by The Story of the Treasure Seekers. Told from a child's point of view, the style is witty, amusing and interesting, making it the ideal read-aloud book for both parents and children.
One of the interesting aspects of the book is that it is narrated by one of the children, but readers find out which one only towards the end. This child is priggish, arrogant and not always very smart, making his lofty observations and pronouncements even more funny as the reader can see through them quite easily!
As with much of Victorian literature, there is plenty in the book that seems dated today. Additionally, E Nesbit's passionate interest in the Socialist ideology that she and her husband Hubert Bland espoused are subtly yet surely inserted into the conversations and plot of The Story of the Treasure Seekers. However, far from being a dull and depressing tale of do-gooder kids, the novel is often hilariously funny as the children cook up various Quixotic schemes to make money. The child narrator's voice is itself a piece of subversive humor, as he feels he is the smartest, most powerful person around, hurtling the children into various predicaments. They try speculation, becoming detectives, entering a writing competition among other zany adventures. All through, it is their courage, determination and sense of honor that shine through.
The story has been successfully adapted to stage, screen and television several times. If you haven't encountered this children's classic yet, it's a riveting, droll read with an underlying message for those who would like to read between the lines!
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1899Authors

Edith Nesbit
England
Edith Nesbit was an English author and poet; she published her books for children under the name of E. Nesbit. She wrote or collaborated on more than 60 books of children's literature. She was also a...
Books by Edith NesbitDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Anyhow Stories: Moral and otherwise by Lucy Clifford
A collection of stories and poems for children by British novelist, journalist, and playwright Lucy Lane Clifford, better known during her lifetime as...

Harding's Luck by E. Nesbit
"Harding's Luck" is the sequel to E. Nesbit's classic children's novel, "The House of Arden." Dickie Harding, a disabled boy, discovers an old magic t...

The Garden God: A Tale of Two Boys by Forrest Reid
This Book is a Set in a time when innocence and curiosity ruled the hearts of young boys, this book weaves a beautiful tale of friendship, self-discov...

Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen
This book presents a collection of fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, a renowned Danish author. Published in 1884, it includes both well-known an...

The Poor Little Rich Girl by Eleanor Gates
The Poor Little Rich Girl is a children’s fantasy about a little girl named Gwendolyn who is lonely and longs for a friend. But she is isolated by ric...

The Farmer's Boy by Clifton Johnson
A year in the life of a New England farm boy at the end of the 19th century (Introduction by LC).

My Very Own Fairy Stories by Johnny Gruelle
In the enchanted realm of "My Very Own Fairy Stories" by Johnny Gruelle, whispers of magic and tales spun from dreams come to life. Imagine a world wh...

Azabache by Anna Sewell
"Azabache" es una obra maestra de la literatura que te llevará al mundo de un noble caballo negro y sus experiencias con diferentes dueños, algunos cr...

Aventuras de Pinocho: historia de un muñeco de madera by Carlo Collodi
A beloved classic that follows the adventures of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. Join Pinocchio on his quest as he learn...

John Dough and the Cherub by L. Frank Baum
John Dough and the Cherub is a whimsical adventure story about a sentient gingerbread man named John Dough who comes to life after a baker's wife acci...
Reviews for The Story of the Treasure Seekers
No reviews posted or approved, yet...