This book contains the following story:
"The Story of the Amulet" is a classic children's fantasy novel written by Edith Nesbit, first published in 1906. It is the final book in the Psammead Trilogy, following "Five Children and It" and "The Phoenix and the Carpet." Here is a plot summary of "The Story of the Amulet":
Setting and Characters: The story is set in Edwardian England and features the four children from the previous books: Cyril, Anthea, Robert, and Jane. They are joined by their magical friend, the Psammead, who is a sand-fairy capable of granting wishes.
The Initial Situation: The story begins with the four children, now older and wiser, reunited for the summer holidays. They discover the Psammead, who has been living in a gravel pit. The Psammead explains that it has been granted the power of speech and that it is in trouble. It requests the children's help to find an ancient Egyptian amulet that can grant wishes, which they agree to do.
Time Travel and Adventures: The children use the amulet to travel back in time to various historical periods, including ancient Egypt, Atlantis, and Babylon. Along the way, they encounter historical figures, mythical creatures, and experience numerous adventures and challenges.
Seeking the Amulet's History: As the children travel through time, they learn about the history of the amulet and how it came to possess its wish-granting powers. They also discover that the amulet is tied to the fate of an imprisoned Babylonian princess named Ishtar.
Themes of Responsibility and Consequences: Throughout their adventures, the children grapple with the consequences of their wishes and the responsibilities that come with having the power to change history. They must make difficult decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of those they encounter in the past.
The Quest to Free Ishtar: The primary goal of the children's adventures becomes the liberation of Ishtar, who has been unjustly imprisoned. To achieve this, they must navigate various challenges and rely on their wit, courage, and the magic of the amulet.
Resolution: In the end, the children succeed in freeing Ishtar and return to their own time. They bring her back with them, and she adapts to life in the modern world, becoming a friend to the children.
Conclusion: "The Story of the Amulet" is a magical and adventurous tale that explores themes of time travel, history, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. It showcases Edith Nesbit's talent for blending fantasy with the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by her young protagonists. The story encourages readers to consider the implications of their wishes and the importance of using power and knowledge responsibly
