This enduring tale has been claimed to be a satire on language, a political allegory, a parody of Victorian children's literature, or even a reflection of contemporary ecclesiastical history. It was perhaps, as the author might have said, no more than a dream, a fairy tale about the trials and tribulations of growing up or down, or all turned round-as seen through the expert eyes of a child.

"The why of this book cannot, and need not, be put into words. Those for whom a child's mind is a sealed book, and see no divinity in a child's smile, would read such words in vain; while for anyone who has ever loved one true child, no words are needed." Ellen Terry