The Story of Jack and the Giants

Transcriber's note:
In this e-text illustrations have been labelled according to their descriptions at the beginning of the book.

The Death of the Giant Cormoran

illustrated with Thirty-Five Drawings by Richard Doyle. Engraved by G. and E. Dalziel.
LONDON: CUNDALL & ADDEY, 21 OLD BOND STREET. 1851.
London: Printed by Robson, Levey, and Franklyn, Great New Street, Fetter Lane.
During the reign of good King Arthur there lived in the County of Cornwall, near to the Land's End of England, a wealthy farmer, who had an only son named Jack. Jack was a brisk boy, and of a ready wit: he took great delight in hearing stories of Giants and Fairies, and used to listen eagerly while any old woman told him of the great deeds of the brave Knights of King Arthur's Round Table.
When Jack was sent to take care of the sheep and oxen in the fields, he used to amuse himself with planning battles and sieges, and the means to conquer or surprise a foe. He was above the common sports of children; but hardly any one could equal him at wrestling; or if he met with a match for himself in strength, his skill and address always made him the victor.

In those days the Mount of Cornwall was kept by a huge and monstrous Giant, eighteen feet in height, and about three yards in compass, of a fierce and grim countenance, the terror of all the neighbouring towns and villages. He dwelt in a cave in the middle of the Mount; and he was such a selfish monster that he would not suffer any one to live near him. He fed on other men's cattle, which often became his prey; for whensoever he wanted food, he would wade over to the mainland, where he would furnish himself with whatever came in his way.