Description
THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK
Book Summary
A masterpiece of nonsense signed by Lewis Carroll, the genius creator of Alice in Wonderland. This narrative poem, originally published in 1876, recounts the epic and absurd voyage of an oddball crew in search of a mythical creature: the Snark. With language full of wit and invented terms, Carroll combines the epic with the chaotic in an adventure that, beneath its apparent senselessness, hides a profound reflection on perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. This Kalandraka edition, featuring illustrations by Óscar Villán and an excellent translation, recovers a little-known gem from the author.
What is it about?
The poem narrates the odyssey of a heterogeneous and unconventional crew that embarks on a seemingly impossible mission: to hunt the Snark, an inconceivable creature about which there is hardly any information. Throughout ten chapters, the sailors, led by a captain who has lost everything but his determination, navigate unknown seas and face absurd and mysterious situations. The work shifts between the epic and the delirious, combining the structure of a classic ballad with the absurd humor and linguistic invention characteristic of Carroll. The journey, more than an end in itself, becomes a metaphor for perseverance, hope, and the significance of pursuing that which seems unattainable.
Main themes
- Nonsense and the absurd as a literary genre.
- Perseverance and the pursuit of impossible dreams.
- Linguistic invention and wordplay.
- The epic and the mysterious in a chaotic context.
- The metaphor of the journey as a path toward the unknown.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at young adult and adult readers interested in narrative poetry, intelligent humor, and fantasy literature. It is especially recommended for those who enjoy wordplay, the works of Lewis Carroll, and stories that defy conventional logic. It will also appeal to those seeking a brief yet profound read, with multiple layers of interpretation and a tone that is both playful and reflective.
What this book offers
- A unique reading experience that combines humor, poetry, and philosophical reflection.
- The discovery of a lesser-known but fundamental work by Lewis Carroll.
- An invitation to explore the limits of language and imagination.
- A carefully crafted edition with illustrations that enrich the narrative experience.
- A reflection on the importance of pursuing goals, no matter how absurd they may seem.
Technical Specifications
- Author: CARROLL, LEWIS
- Publisher: Kalandraka
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: POETRY (CHILDREN'S/YA)
- Collection: RIZOMAS
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: August 2022
- Number of pages: 64
- Weight: 210 g
Editorial Review
This edition of THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK represents an excellent opportunity to approach a less traveled facet of Lewis Carroll. The translation manages to capture the playful spirit and verbal inventiveness of the original, while Óscar Villán's illustrations provide a visual dimension that complements the absurd and mysterious tone of the poem. For lovers of nonsense literature and readers looking for a brief but substantial work, this title offers an original and stimulating literary experience, far from the beaten path of children's and young adult poetry.