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This book outlines what is different about writing for children followed by a succinct account of the often neglected history of children's literature. It goes on to examine a number of genres - fairy tales and fables, moral tales and books of instruction, fantasy and adventure stories, domestic and school stories, and poetry. These accounts are inclusive and wide-ranging, focusing primarily on... More

This book outlines what is different about writing for children followed by a succinct account of the often neglected history of children's literature. It goes on to examine a number of genres - fairy tales and fables, moral tales and books of instruction, fantasy and adventure stories, domestic and school stories, and poetry. These accounts are inclusive and wide-ranging, focusing primarily on the multiplicity of British and American texts published between the mid-eighteenth century and today and the religious, political, ideological and pedagogical contexts which influenced them. The possible futures of the study of children's literature are discussed, especially the wide variety of scholarly methodologies which are increasingly being used in the analysis of children's literature.

Key features

*First concise and affordable introductory guide to children's literature.

*Extensive coverage of children's literature, across genres, continents and from the beginnings of the form to Harry Potter and Philip Pullman.

*Examines key theoretical questions including definition, dual audience, canonicity, the relationship between text and image, 'childist criticism' and 'cross-reading'.

* Links close reading of texts with the historical and cultural context of their production and reception.

*Extensive bibliography, with a particular emphasis on internet resources through which rare and out-of-print primary texts may be accessed.