Has anyone read Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street edited by Robert L. Mack Published by Oxford University Press?

This book is the edited version of the "original" "The String of Pearls: A Romance that was published in Edward Lloyd's periodical The People's Periodical and Family Library where it ran from November 21, 1846 until March 20, 1847. The book gives the original story that was later changed to the version of Sweeney Todd that we all know presently.

I finished the book about a month ago and was surprised how different it was from the "modern versions" and the movie.

Just wanted to see if anyone else had read this and what their thoughts were on it.

I've heard about it and read about it, but I've not read it. :(

I highly recommend it. :thumbsup

I started reading it around Christmas but didn't get "into" it that much so stopped, but I will go back at some point and finish it. From what I did read, you're correct, quite a bit different than the version that's become to popular. I'm glad you enjoyed it, so I'll probably give it another go at some point. :)

-Donna

I just started the book this weekend - mommyd's lovely daughter Cheergirl got it for me.

So far it's slow to me, but I'm going to stick with it.

This book insists that Sweeney Todd is an urban legend, and not based on true events.

It can be a difficult read at times, I think this is because of the year that it was written. (we dont talk like they do any more...lol)

If this is the "original" story, then it seems that it would be an urban legend that a "real" man named Sweeney Todd ever exsisted.

Yes, I believe that ST was not "real" but based on these different legends that developed over time. I don't think the book is difficult to read, it's just slow plot-wise at the start. I do love the cover though :) and I know I'll get back to it in a bit---I definitely want to finish it.

-Donna