Down-adown-derry
A Book of Fairy Poems
📘 About This Book
Charming collection of fairy poems by Walter de la Mare featuring more than 60 illustrations by Caldecott Medal winning artist Dorothy Lathrop.
📖 Summary
Down-adown-derry by Walter de la Mare is a truly enchanting collection of fairy poems published in 1922. Spanning seventy-two pages, the book gathers some of the author's most captivating and imaginative lyrical works centered on the magical, the mystical, and the folkloric. De la Mare was celebrated for his unique ability to evoke a dreamlike atmosphere, and this volume serves as a prime example of his poetic mastery. Within these pages, readers are transported to realms where ordinary landscapes blur into the extraordinary, populated by fairies, phantoms, woodland spirits, and curious mortals who stumble into hidden dimensions. What elevates this collection into a true artistic treasure is the inclusion of more than sixty exquisite illustrations by Dorothy Lathrop, a Caldecott Medal-winning artist whose intricate and ethereal drawings provide a visual counterpart to the verses. The poems range from whimsical and lighthearted chants to darker, more haunting lullabies that touch on the mysterious and the uncanny, reflecting the rich tradition of English fairy lore. De la Mare's command of rhythm and cadence makes each poem a delight to read aloud, capturing the cadence of incantations and ancient nursery rhymes. The imagery draws heavily from the natural world, intertwining moonlight, whispering trees, and secret hollows with supernatural encounters. Readers of all ages find themselves captivated by the sense of wonder and nostalgia that permeates the collection. Although brief at seventy-two pages, the book leaves a lasting impression through its seamless blending of poignant text and evocative imagery. Dorothy Lathrop's illustrations do not merely decorate the pages; they actively expand upon the mood of the poetry, creating a harmonious visual and literary experience. Down-adown-derry stands as a classic artifact of early twentieth-century publishing, celebrating the enduring power of imagination and the folklore that continues to enchant the human spirit across generations.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Features enchanting and imaginative poetry by Walter de la Mare
Includes more than sixty gorgeous illustrations by Dorothy Lathrop
Creates a deeply atmospheric and dreamlike reading experience
Captures the timeless allure of traditional fairy lore
⚠️ Cons
The short page count may leave readers wishing for more content
Some poems feature darker, uncanny undertones that might not suit every reader's taste
✍️ About the Author
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was an English author and poet known for dreamlike, atmospheric verse and short stories exploring the supernatural.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who wrote Down-adown-derry? +
The book was written by Walter de la Mare.
When was Down-adown-derry published? +
It was published in the year 1922.
How many pages are in the book? +
The book spans 72 pages.
Who illustrated the book? +
It features more than 60 illustrations by Caldecott Medal-winning artist Dorothy Lathrop.
What genre does the book belong to? +
The book falls under the fiction genre, specifically focusing on poetry and fairy themes.
