The Adventures of Professor Challenger

I think I'm right in saying that this book was never intended for children in the first place, so why inflict it on them now? The busy cover hides a collection of passé stories told in complicated language - 'It seemed to me that a slight oleaginous mist was still hovering round the chair', and I know there are better stories around if the kids want high adventure. Unfortunately the author's name will sound safe enough to present-buying parents and some poor kids will get stuck with it in place of books far better and more appropriate.