The Phoenix and the Carpet

The Phoenix and the Carpet is a children's fantasy novel by Edith Nesbit, published in 1904. The story follows a young boy named John who discovers a magical carpet that can take him to any place he desires. However, the carpet has a mind of its own and often takes John on unexpected adventures. Along the way, John meets a phoenix who becomes his loyal companion and helps him navigate the challenges of the magical world. The novel is known for its imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and themes of friendship and adventure.

By Edith Nesbit · First published 1904 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 12 chapters · 78,135 words

First lines

It began with the day when it was almost the Fifth of November, and a doubt arose in some breast -- Robert's, I fancy -- as to the quality of the fireworks laid in for the Guy Fawkes celebration.

"They were jolly cheap," said whoever it was, and I think it was Robert, "and suppose they didn't go off on the night? Those Prosser kids would have something to snigger about then."

What this Textopian page supports

The Phoenix and the Carpet is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edith Nesbit, dated 1904 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Edith Nesbit
• Date: 1904 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
• Length: 78,135 words
• Structure: 12 chapters, 1,954 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Phoenix and the Carpet by Edith Nesbit
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Phoenix and the Carpet?
• How does this novel by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• The Enchanted Castle by Edith Nesbit
• Gutta Percha Willie by George Macdonald
• The House Of Arden by Edith Nesbit
• Wet Magic by Edith Nesbit
• Dick And I by Dinah Mulock
• The Yerl O Waterydeck by George Macdonald

Genres

• Fantasy — The story features magical items – a phoenix and a flying carpet, includes fantastical elements, and is set in an unreal world.
• Children's Literature — The narrative is approachable and engaging for children, with child protagonists and themes of imagination and adventure.
• Adventure — The characters undergo several exciting journeys and experiences, typical of the adventure genre.

Tags

fantasy · adventure · children's literature · magic · friendship · imagination · family · time travel · mythical creatures · journey · mystery · whimsical

Contents

• The Egg
• The Topless Tower
• The Queen Cook
• Two Bazaars
• The Temple
• Doing Good
• Mews from Persia
• The Cats, the Cow, and the Burglar
• The Burglar's Bride
• The Hole in the Carpet
• The Beginning of the End
• The End of the End

More by Edith Nesbit

• The Mystery of the Semi-Detached (1924)
• John Charringtons Wedding (1924)
• The Ebony Frame (1924)
• In the Dark (1924)
• Man-size in Marble (1924)
• The Dragon Tamers (1910)
• The Power of Darkness (1924)
• Five Children and It (1908)
• All works by Edith Nesbit