The Highwayman

by Alfred Noyes

Book Overview

Alfred Noyes's famous poem still has the power to thrill us as we read the story of the highwayman and his doomed love for Bess, the landlord's black-eyed daughter. This classic story of sacrifice in the name of true love has been a favorite with generations of young readers. The powerful, evocative language of Alfred Noyes's verses echoes through the centuries, complemented by Charles Keeping's dazzling illustrations which won this book the Kate...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192723707
• ISBN13: 9780192723703
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.3" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8

Customer Reviews

Excellent Picture Book? YES! For Young Kids? NO!

This is an example of a picture book that is great to use in middle schools and high schools but the subject matter is not at all suitable for those under fifth grade. Like many I first read the poem in my seventh grade literature textbook and remember being thrilled and a little shocked. For anyone not familiar with the story it involves tragic romance, graphic death and ghostly return of spirits. The dark illustrations do an excellent job of reinforcing the melancholy mood. I hope this poem continues to be enjoyed by new readers but not until they reach age eleven.

This is a great poem

I'm a freshman in highschool and this is definately one of the best poems i have read. A lot of people haven't read or even heard of it and this surprises me a lot. This poem is very deep and I think you have to read it a couple times to really appreciate the rhyme scheme and the "plot" of the poem. I would highly suggest reading it!

December_Me

I originaly read this poem in a book of collected childrens stories and poems (which I am still trying to find again; there in a series of red-bound books), and to see it resurface again, from both Loreena McKennitt's song to this book, is fantastic! A wonderfull poem that has so many sides to it. I am glad I found it again and I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

A CLASSIC

Interesting visual interpretation of a classic. I remember being introduced to this poem in junior high (over 20 years ago!) as an example of the "anti-hero". Readers may also be interested in Loreena McKennitt's musical version of this poem on her "Book of Secrets" CD.

An Amazing Poem from a Little Known Author

Although I did not read the book "Highwayman", I have read the poem from a website on the internet. I am amazed that few people have reviewed this poem. The Highwayman is one of the best poems I have ever read and is truly remarkable in that it appeals to people of all agaes. Although it may well be considered a work for children, I believe that the full impact of Noyes's imagery and the subtle messages of the poem can only be fully appreciated my the mature mind. I recommend this poem to anyone interested in history and/or historical fiction.