Why not use abridged editions of classic books?
Leslie S Responds: I think that benefit of reading classic children’s books is the telling of the story from the original author’s point of view and passionate commitment to his subject matter which makes the difference rather than the benefit lying solely in the story itself. The author’s language, difficult as it may seem, gives much of the life and vital lessons which Charlotte Mason wanted the children to find there in their lessons. While the children and adults can enjoy good retellings, and Ambleside Curriculum does use some retellings in the curriculum, it is best to use these sparingly. The retelling we use are notable in their qualification as good literature in their own right. Examples of these are the Nesbit and Lamb’s Shakespeare stories, Tanglewood Tales by Hawthorne, and The Heroes by Kingsley. There is a great deal of good literature appropriate for many different reading and understanding levels, and it is better to find those good and excellent books (old classics or
