Reviews

Gr 4-8‘The law of the jungle‘intense competition for one's niche‘seems to apply to The Jungle Book, judging from the numerous editions jostling on the bookseller's shelf. The centenary of publication is the justification given for this avatar: but fortunately, it needs no excuse. All the Mowgli stories, and the perennial ``Rikki-tikki-tavi,'' appear to glorious advantage in a handsome format. A manageable size, creamy paper, a clear typeface, and generous margins are as inviting as the 17 masterly full-page watercolors. They are beautifully composed, balanced but not static, freely handled but without any loss of clarity. Mowgli and the animals are characterized rather than idealized. Color and texture are subtle but lush. These contrasts perfectly complement the tension between order and ``the jungle'' evoked in Kipling's text. If survival of the fittest indeed applies to publishing, this edition should have a long life.‘Patricia (Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI