The Water-Babies is one of the great Victorian children’s classics—part moral tale, part fantasy, part social commentary.
First published in 1863, the story follows Tom, a young chimney sweep who escapes a harsh, exploitative life and enters a magical underwater world after a transformative, dreamlike journey.
In this richly imaginative realm, Tom encounters talking animals, underwater creatures, fairies, and the famous Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby and Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid. Through these encounters, the story explores themes of innocence, redemption, compassion, and social justice, while also satirising Victorian science and society.
This 1952 Seagull Library edition presents Kingsley’s timeless tale in an accessible, compact format designed for young readers, maintaining all the classic charm of the original text.
The Water-Babies Charles Kingsley | 1952 Seagull Library First Edition | Vintage
Title: The Water-Babies
Author: Charles Kingsley
Publisher: WM Collins Sons & Co. Ltd – Seagull Library Series
Place of Publication: London & Glasgow, England
Year: 1952
Edition: First Edition in the Seagull Library Format (as stated: “First printed in this edition 1952”)
Genre: Children’s Classic / Victorian Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 242Condition: Spine shows notable sun fading and uneven discolouration (typical of Collins cloth bindings of the era). Small marks and mild wear to boards. Foxing to front endpapers, title pages, and edges. Binding remains tight. Pages otherwise clean with age-appropriate toning. Previous owner’s inscription on front end paper. A presentable and solid copy of a mid-century edition of a classic children’s book.
