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Abroad
"Abroad" by the renowned illustrator Thomas Crane was described as "one of the loveliest books ever produced" when it was published in 1882. This generously sized, full color, reproduction makes it available to today's children.
58 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1882
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About the author
Thomas Crane
20 booksThomas Crane (1843–1903) was an English illustrator and art director at Marcus Ward & Co. He was the son of Thomas Crane (1808–1859), a painter.
He illustrated many children's books and greetings cards. His younger brother was Walter Crane , also a illustrator, and his sister Lucy Crane
a writer.
He illustrated many children's books and greetings cards. His younger brother was Walter Crane , also a illustrator, and his sister Lucy Crane
a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 6, 2019
I stumbled upon Abroad while browsing through one of those archives of old, free books online. Thankfully, someone somewhere took the time to scan each page, and I can easily see why. As soon as I saw the first illustration, I was captivated. The art in this book is beyond lovely, making this a true forgotten gem.
This children's book was originally published in 1843, one of a handful of similarly illustrated little volumes. Apparently they were quite popular at the time, and it is easy to see why. The Oxford History of the Irish Book even described them as “among the loveliest books ever produced.”
The tale is recounted in verse. The story is straightforward enough - a recently widowed father takes his young children abroad, traveling from Normandy to Paris.
The illustrations are, if you haven't gathered already, the true draw of the book. I loved how they showed such a rich visual of traveling during this time period. One of the first illustrations shows the children, adorably bundled up in their traveling clothes, presenting their tickets to board a steam train.
You then follow them as they board a ship crossing the English Channel, and once again the illustrations bring to life the scenes of the ship - the wind in the children’s hair, the masts and the light across the ocean at sunset.
The children land at Boulogne and sightsee there before continuing on to Paris via horse carriage and steam engine.
The rich, gorgeous visuals of this book give you a glimpse into what it was like to travel in the 19th Century. As an avid world traveler in a completely different era, this is fascinating to me.
The pages in which the artist shows scenes of the cities are particularly beautiful. It truly allows you to envision what these old cities looked like before the days of cars and electricity.
Many other portraits of daily life, such as women making lace, washing women, flower sellers on the streets, and a schoolhouse are paid attention to with great detail.
The tone of the book is quite dated, and the verses are not anything remarkable. They have that 19th Century sappy sweet tone that was so popular back then - the children remark upon everything with cheer and smiles and never seem to have had a bad day in their lives. I ordinarily find this way of writing grating and annoying, but the visuals here were so lovely, I didn’t mind it.
I certainly recommend picking up this little book if you are at all interested in the time period or traveling during that time period. Or, if you simply like pretty things.
This children's book was originally published in 1843, one of a handful of similarly illustrated little volumes. Apparently they were quite popular at the time, and it is easy to see why. The Oxford History of the Irish Book even described them as “among the loveliest books ever produced.”
The tale is recounted in verse. The story is straightforward enough - a recently widowed father takes his young children abroad, traveling from Normandy to Paris.
The illustrations are, if you haven't gathered already, the true draw of the book. I loved how they showed such a rich visual of traveling during this time period. One of the first illustrations shows the children, adorably bundled up in their traveling clothes, presenting their tickets to board a steam train.
You then follow them as they board a ship crossing the English Channel, and once again the illustrations bring to life the scenes of the ship - the wind in the children’s hair, the masts and the light across the ocean at sunset.
The children land at Boulogne and sightsee there before continuing on to Paris via horse carriage and steam engine.
The rich, gorgeous visuals of this book give you a glimpse into what it was like to travel in the 19th Century. As an avid world traveler in a completely different era, this is fascinating to me.
The pages in which the artist shows scenes of the cities are particularly beautiful. It truly allows you to envision what these old cities looked like before the days of cars and electricity.
Many other portraits of daily life, such as women making lace, washing women, flower sellers on the streets, and a schoolhouse are paid attention to with great detail.
The tone of the book is quite dated, and the verses are not anything remarkable. They have that 19th Century sappy sweet tone that was so popular back then - the children remark upon everything with cheer and smiles and never seem to have had a bad day in their lives. I ordinarily find this way of writing grating and annoying, but the visuals here were so lovely, I didn’t mind it.
I certainly recommend picking up this little book if you are at all interested in the time period or traveling during that time period. Or, if you simply like pretty things.
April 2, 2015
It was fun, and made me read so many different types of rhymes in English after a long long time.
October 28, 2021
This book gives a visual of traveling in the time period of the 1840s. In this story, we follow the characters crossing the English Channel. The illustrations are beyond beautiful and do a great job at allowing you to envision what these times would be like. The writing of the story was pretty decent but a bit outdated but is justified by its released date.
This was a good story with rhymes throughout. However, I honestly appreciated the illustrations much more than the story itself, but I loved it overall. This is such a beautifully made book with lovely illustrations, but I feel like it needs a lot of explaining if read to students since the book is much older. I think that this book would be best enjoyed by middle-grade students to adults. Younger students may struggle with this book, but may still enjoy the illustrations.
This was a good story with rhymes throughout. However, I honestly appreciated the illustrations much more than the story itself, but I loved it overall. This is such a beautifully made book with lovely illustrations, but I feel like it needs a lot of explaining if read to students since the book is much older. I think that this book would be best enjoyed by middle-grade students to adults. Younger students may struggle with this book, but may still enjoy the illustrations.
January 31, 2018
After At Home and At Home Again, where could Thomas Crane go but Abroad? A gorgeous end to the trilogy, although the illustrations feel more crowded, the design denser than the first two books. Walter Crane's influence, no doubt.
March 8, 2020
This would be fun to read to young children if it weren't so dated. If they were paying attention, you'd have to stop and explain so many things to them. The illustrations are very pretty, though.
September 20, 2013
A sweet little story about young children going on their holidays. This book has beautiful illustrations that any reader would enjoy. This book should be enjoyed by adults as well as children.
December 30, 2013
I picked up both this book and London Town at a garage sale. I'll save you the hassle of reading them and just tell you they are dull and outdated, and no kid in their right mind would enjoy them.
April 15, 2018
Wonderfully illustrated.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews