No one knows for sure if Sweeney Todd actually existed, but this story, taken from a serialization in a Penny Dreadful from 1846, was the first official record of the terrible crimes committed by the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Gory? No! What's particularly good about this adaptation is that none of the horror is to be seen -- making this a truly wonderful version of a brilliant book.

This story first appeared in serialized form in 1800s London and gripped the nation. Although there is no explicit record of these events taking place, there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence that Todd existed and that he was the world's worst mass-murderer.

A gruesome tale, portrayed with a certain Victorian "twee-ness" that borders on the comical.

Featuring beautiful engaging artwork, the book features the entire novel, unabridged (in the original British English), as well as an illustrated Character List (Dramatis Personae), 156 pages of story artwork, and fascinating support material - all beautifully presented in color.

An alternative text edition with simplified U.S. dialogue is available enabling differentiation in the classroom.

Author: Sean Michael Wilson
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Classical Comics
Published: 08/07/2012
Series: Classical Comics: Original Text
Pages: 176
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 9.60h x 6.60w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781907127090
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 01/01/2013

About the Author
Sean Michael Wilson has adapted other books in the Classical Comics series including A Christmas Carol and Wuthering Heights. Declan Shalvey is now a high-demand comic book artist, working on 28 Days Later as well as some Marvel titles. Kat Nicholson and Jason Cardy have colored a number of titles within the Classical Comics range. A Midsummer Night's Dream was their first fully illustrated work. Clive Bryant is the founder of Classical Comics and has served as Editor in Chief for the entire series.