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The Water of the Wondrous Isles

First published: 1897
Pages: 369

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About this book

Stolen as a baby by a witch and raised alone in a wild wood, Birdalone finally escapes in an enchanted boat that carries her among a chain of strange islands, each with its own peril and marvel. Along the way she befriends three captive maidens who wait for the knights who love them, and she becomes caught up in their rescue and in a love of her own. What sets the book apart from Morris's other romances is Birdalone herself, a resourceful, self-reliant heroine who leads her own adventure at a time when fantasy heroes were almost always men. Rich in journeys, magic, and quiet observation of how people grow, it is among the earliest fantasies to center a woman. Free to read here as a PDF and EPUB edition.

About the author

William Morris

William Morris (1834-1896) was an English poet, designer, and socialist whose wallpapers and textiles helped define the Arts and Crafts movement. Late in life he turned to prose romances set in imagined lands, and those books are now regarded as foundations of modern fantasy literature.