Alfred Noyes
illustrated by Charles Mikolaycak 1983
For those of you familiar with the Anne of Green Gables movies you may recognize this poem. Anne recites it at the White Sands Hotel.
Alfred Noyes is terrific. He has written all kinds of verse and short stories and novels. We like to read this poem (probably his most famous) very dramatically. The pictures by Charles Mikolaycak suit it perfectly. They are mostly grey and black and white with a touch of red for a scarf, Bess' ribbon, a soldier's coat, blood.
The opening lines are some of my very favorite in literature.
The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees.
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas.
The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,
And the highwayman came riding-
Riding- riding-
The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door.
where is the rest of the poem?
ReplyDeleteSorry I didn't include the whole poem or all the pictures. It's easy enough to find online or at the library if you search for Alfred Noyes.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
DeleteI've recorded a version of the poem, https://youtu.be/_ukPc9DJUmo with one stock image. I'd like to illustrate it throughout with images.
Where can I find all the Charles Mikolaycak illustrations? And Charles, if you know how to reach him.
Thanks,
Peter Lloyd
I'm pretty sure Charles Mikolaycak passed away in 1993. You can still find copies of his books though and their wonderful illustrations- that might be your best bet!
DeleteYes, a great poem. The rhythm is fun for kids and the subject is titillating for all ages.
ReplyDeleteShame that the "claret coat" is black. That is going to confuse a few students.