An unequivocal children's classic. Exquisitely resurrected by the New York Review Children's Collection, this attractive facsimile is a rare treat. Written in the true tradition of fairy tales, it features a handsome hero, an outrageously barbarous villain, an enigmatic henchman, and a captive princess. James Thurber's audacious and lyrical writing is a complete joy to read aloud. Not to be missed. Bookseller A wonderful folk-fairy tale construction telling of a duke and a conundrum over time with witty twists and turns. School Librarian Thurber's coinages for sound-effects, the eccentric logic of the characters' deductions, and the slipping in and out of rhyme all make the story ask to be read aloud, promising great fun for both adult and child readers. Carousel Profound, witty and terrific to read aloud. Irish Post Clocks has many traditional ingredients of a fairy tale - a wicked duke in a spooky castle; his beautiful ward; a handsome young prince and an impossible task; plus a monster and a helper. Out of these, Thurber whips up the most delicious, light and frothy confection. -- Mary Hoffman Mslexia 5 Books every child should read by the time they are 11. Joanna Nadin, author of 'Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster'. Big Issue