The King of the Golden River

John Ruskin's The King of the Golden River begins as a fairy tale of beauty, wonder, and moral consequence, born from a playful challenge and shaped into a classic children's story. In the remote mountain valley of Treasure Valley in Stiria, the cruel brothers Hans and Schwartz hoard wealth while tormenting their gentle younger brother Gluck, whose kindness sets him apart in a world ruled by greed. When a stranger drenched by rain appears at their door, Gluck alone offers shelter and food, and his compassion awakens the story's magical forces. A flood soon ruins the valley, driving the brothers into failed schemes as dishonest goldsmiths, while Gluck's lost mug reveals itself to be the enchanted King of the Golden River. The tiny king explains that only holy water carried to the river's source can turn its waters to gold, and that selfishness will bring destruction. Hans and then Schwartz each attempt the climb, but both refuse mercy to those in need and are destroyed by the mountain's tests. Through its alpine grandeur and supernatural punishments, the tale makes clear that true treasure belongs to the compassionate, not the greedy. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.