Note: As originally collected in 1898 and again in 1923, six numbered and titled sections are listed in the table of contents.   I The Fire-Eaters   II The Galloping Plough   III The Thirsty Well   IV The Princess Melilot   V The Burning Rose   VI The Camphor-Worm As originally collected in 1898, the story spans p[1]-66. The text of each section begins on a new page (unnumbered pp. 3, 13, 23, 33, 45, 57), under its roman numeral and title and facing its one illustration (b/w plate not included in the pagination).   As collected in 1923 the story spans p53-96, without illustration, and in numbered and titled sections that do not begin on new pages.

Synopsis: The fantastic adventures of Noodle, the only child of the wisest man and woman in the world, but a simpleton, and an orphan after two pages.