Pygmalion-Treasury of Illustrated Classics Storybook Collection

by Nicole Vittiglio (Adapter), Brian Bartle (Illustrator), Tim Davis (Illustrator)

This book is an adaptation of the classic novel Pygmalion. Pygmalion is a comedy which features a unique relationship between a spunky flower girl and her speech professor. In this George Bernard Shaw classic, flower girl Eliza Doolittle teaches her speech professor Henry Higgins that being a lady is more than just speaking like one. This easy-to-read adaptation is guaranteed to hook beginning readers not yet ready to tackle the original.

Genres: Classics, Childrens

189 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

In George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, we learn about the endeavors of a professor who studies speech and pronunciation from different areas of Europe. When he sees a flower girl on the streets of London, he begins to write down how she is speaking. She thinks that she is being accused of a crime, and begins to pout. When another man, and an admirer of the professor, comes along, the professor, who we learn is named Henry Higgins, makes a bet with the other, named Colonel Pickering, about the girl. Higgin claims that he can pass her off as a duchess, with perfect manners and pronunciation, in 6 months. The remainder of the story consists of the lessons and various parties that the flower girl, who we learn is named Eliza, is taken to.
I enjoyed this story, and found it rather humorous and at the same time interesting. It was intriguing to learn that in London, people used to pay others in order for lessons to learn how to speak and act. I found that the adapted version that I read rather lacked in some details which would have made it all the more interesting, but the book was still enjoyable. I would recommend this book to the reader that enjoys short, entertaining stories.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read or seen the original Pygmalion, but I am very familiar with the musical and movie "My Fair Lady." It's a widely-known tale, and I think one many intermediate readers would find interesting, especially in an adapted form such as this.

The language and vocabulary are easy to understand. Struggling readers may have difficulty with Eliza's diaglogue initially, until they realize it's written phonetically. The pictures are a nice touch, though sometimes I found myself wondering why they chose to illustrate that specific moment above others in the chapter. Sometimes the pictures showed the action before it actually was read.

Overall, this is yet another "illustrated classic" that is a good introduction for middle readers. Now I want to find a copy of the original!

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, realize I read the Children's Illustrated Classic version. So the language may be simplified but the story line should remain intact. I didn't really care for this. The play/movie "My Fair Lady" was based on this novel and I've seen the movie several times. So first off I was bored as it was identical. Then I was surprised as there is almost nothing in the novel about how he changed her speech, her lessons. A few paragraphs, times passes then she's off to be tested. And although I don't want to give anything away, I was rather surprised as I felt the novel had no real ending, which was a disappointment.

[PJ Wenzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent children’s version which helped get my kids interested in the story and led to their enjoyment of the Rex Harrison/Audrey Hepburn movie. The quality of the book was not good. And some of the content was really dumbed down. But a good first step nonetheless.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but I didn't like the ending. It was a good story, but I'm not a big fan of the the illustrations or the different way that these are written. I prefer the original.

[Melissa Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fascinating when a social experiment is done. I believe it is important for both sexes to learn how to speak clearly and enunciate their words. I believe it's also important for both seres to learn. develop, and understand social cues.
I really enjoyed this book.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not having read the unadapted version, my opinion may be skewed, but this was seemingly dumbed down and obnoxious. Dorky ending.

[Rachelle Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like British themed things but this but was ok to me, wasn’t sure what to expect until i read it. It wasn’t the best but not the worst either. Then again, i really dont read much “play” literature

[Dr.J.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the original play that the very famous and popular "My fair Lady" is based on, except that was more of a sweet version, and this retains the original English, perhaps British or even Irish, taste - not sweet, not sour, not bitter or hot, but a little salt and some of that sixth taste that is called "kasaila" or "kashaaya" which means tea in the old medicinal sense.

Here at the end there is a very well written epilogue that explains why the professor does not propose to any woman or have any romantic affair with any woman (and certainly with no man either) - not as a sickness on his part, but as a matter of evolution, and he is very evolved indeed.

Unlike US of today the social norms of Britain then were quite different and sex was not a compulsory activity to prove one was normal, and for that matter normal was never defined as average, either.

So eccentricity was not only allowed it positively thrived and flourished, and benefited the society enormously. Men like the professor could devote their time and energy to their preferred pursuits. He does end up baffled and quite unable to escape Elizabeth Dolittle though.

Friday, July 9, 2010.
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[Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happens when you pull a girl / man out of the gutter and try to teach her / him how to act like a princess / gentleman? The theme itself is enogh funny. Many believe that the play is very close to “My Fair Lady”’s theme. I think the end of Pygmalion is much more fit to the characters.

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to read the adapted version for young readers. My Fair Lady is one of my favorite classic movie and I enjoyed comparing this version of the novel and the movie.

187 pages

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the story enough, but I'm very confused by the ending.

[Nicole L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fact that Eliza is such a strong character. I'd love to see a remake of the film, if it ever happens

[Lisi Oreo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the books that i read when i was little ❤️ i love it so much :)

[trin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first classic novel I ever read. Vaguely remember it being funny

[Slow Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

ah-ah-ah-ow-ow-oo! Two thumbs up.