The Magic Faraway Tree (novel)

The Magic Faraway Tree is a children's novel by Enid Blyton, first published in 1943.

It is the second book in the The Faraway Tree series of novels, in which Jo, Bessie and Fanny, the protagonists of the series, have their cousin Dick over to stay with them. They then introduce him to Silky, Moonface, Saucepan Man and all their other friends in the Magic Faraway Tree.

In 2003 it was voted #66 in the BBC's Big Read poll to find the UK's favourite book.^[1]

The book is also heavily referenced in the graphic novel V for Vendetta. The third book is entitled 'The Land of Do-as-you-please", and V reads the "The Magic Faraway Tree" to Evey Hammond.

Lands In the Book

• The Land of Topsy Turvy
• The Land of Spells
• The Land of Dreams
• The Land of Do-as-you-please
• The Land of Toys
• The Land of Goodies
• The Land of the Old Woman who Lives in a Shoe
• The Land of Magic Medicines
• The Land of Tempers
• The Land of Presents

Modern alterations

The modern reprints have altered the names of the main characters. Jo is now Joe, Bessie is now Beth. Dick and Fanny have been changed to Rick and Franny, due to the modern sexual connotations of the original names.

References