The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

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AlexH
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The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by AlexH »

Hello - from what I can tell by reading reviews (though I'm not sure), the 2008 Faraway Tree compilation has the newer names and aspects of the story changed/removed. The name changes wouldn't bother me too much, but I want the original stories - does anyone know how far back I have to go to be safe? I'm in the UK.

Thanks for any help. :)
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Rob Houghton
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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by Rob Houghton »

As a safe bet, I'd go back to the Dean editions. :-)

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'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
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Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
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(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by Courtenay »

I should think so too — they definitely have the original stories (including Dame Slap :twisted: ), as well as the original names.

I'm not sure if the children's names were altered at the same time as the other changes, but I'm pretty sure those started taking place in the 1980s. The Deans (from the 1970s) are still quite easy to find in decent condition and usually at a good price, unlike the Newnes editions (pre-1970s, identical to the first editions) which can go for exorbitant amounts.

Welcome to the forums, by the way! :D
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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by Anita Bensoussane »

I'd always believed that the 1970s Dean & Son editions had the original text but I recently found out in another thread (link below) that those versions were edited (though probably not drastically). The thread only refers to The Magic Faraway Tree, but if that book was revised then it's possible that the other two were as well:

http://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/foru ... y+#p302637" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by AlexH »

Thanks for the suggestions and welcome. I didn't think I'd have to potentially go as far back as pre-70s, but I'm glad I asked.

I'm an 80s child, so guess it'll be the 70s or 80s versions I read, given my mum took me to the library a lot. :) So I'm sure I'll be happy with any of those.

The only cover I recognise is Up the Faraway Tree from 1985, and funnily enough I'm not so bothered about reading that one:

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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by Eddie Muir »

Welcome to,the forums, AlexH. Good luck in your search for early editions of the Faraway Tree books. :D
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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by AlexH »

Thanks again everyone. I decided to go for 1970s, and picked these 1978 Beaver editions as I liked the covers most. I also love waterfalls, so couldn't resist The Secret Valley when I saw the cover. :)

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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by Rob Houghton »

Those are great - and I think you'll find they are pretty-much the original texts -still with 'Dame Slap' and the original children's names, anyway. :-)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by Moonraker »

Of course, The Secret Valley wasn't written by Blyton, but is a continuation novel - misleading as Blyton's name is on the cover.
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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by Rob Houghton »

Yes - I have a copy, signed by both the author and Val Biro. :-)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



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Re: The Faraway Tree Trilogy - Pre-"Political Correctness"

Post by sixret »

Well done, AlexH! :D
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Learn the history. Do research.

The hypocrisy, double standard, prejudice and bigotry own by some people is so obvious.Shame on them!
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