The Annotated Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web may be America's best-loved children's book today. Its plot is seamless, its characters poignant and unforgettable, and the writing a marvel of ease and fluency. In fact, thought. E. B. White labored tirelessly over eight manuscript drafts, thoroughly researched the habits of spiders, and meditated on the lives of pigs. THE ANNOTATED CHARLOTTE'S WEB opens the door to the creator's workshop and allows the reader to glance over the shoulder of one of the most exacting and fastidious American writers as he forms his masterpiece. Included are: information from White's eight manuscript drafts cross-references to other writings by E.B. White letters between White and his editors documents from the critical reception of Charlotte's Web general literary-cultural commentary tying the book to its traditions

THE ANNOTATED CHARLOTTE'S WEB brings us closer to the book's author, enriches our reading of the book itself, and sheds a measure of light on the artistic process. Fascinating, humorous, rich in information, it belongs on the shelves of teachers, literary critics, students of children's literature, and anyone who simply loves Charlotte's Web.

(back cover)