Anne, a great read
The Annotated Anne of Green Gables is a very special version of the original Canadian Classic by Lucy Maud Montgomery. In addition to the original story (with annotations), this version includes a chronology of the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, a lengthy introduction discussing both Montgomery's life and Anne of Green Gables, and several appendices. These appendices include the geography of Anne of Green Gables, the Celtic influence in Anne, a history on orphanages in the 1800's, education in P.E.I, gardens and plants of Anne, homemade artifacts and home life, food and home decoration, music and elocution, and literary allusion and quotation in Anne.
There are also several literary works from the Victorian era included in the Annotated version. Some examples include: Mary, Queen of Scots and Bingen on the Rhine. The final sections of the book include book reviews, bibliography, acknowledgements and illustration credits.
Of course, the best part of this book is the original story of Anne of Green Gables. For those who are not familiar with it, the book follows the red-headed Anne Shirley from her pre-teen years until her early teen years. She is adopted by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a brother and sister who intended to adopt a boy to do farm chores. Anne lives in a dream world and has a very spicy temper, which results in disaster several times during the story.
On her first day of school, Anne breaks her slate over the head of Gilbert Blythe, who calls her “Carrots.” Another time, she invites her best friend Diana Barry over for tea, and accidentally gets her drunk. She also almost drowns herself trying to play the part of the Lily Maid in Tennyson's Lancelot and Elaine, and she breaks her leg trying to walk the ridge-pole of a roof. Although she hits some bumps along the road, Anne becomes a very successful young woman with the help of Matthew and Marilla, and her beloved teacher, Miss Stacey. Although it is a classic childrens' story, Anne of Green Gables provides many laughs and life lessons for children and adults alike.
I suggest reading the Annotated version for those people who would like to learn more about L.M. Montgomery and the time period. The annotations also help to understand some of the vocabulary of the time, which is not always clear to younger readers. This book goes into great detail, explaining the history and uses of the flowers and plants that are mentioned in Anne, as well as the songs, food, poetry, literature, etc. For those people who are interested in Canadian history, The Annotated Anne of Green Gables is an excellent resource.
