The Making of Modern Children's Literature in Britain

Publishing and Criticism in the 1960s and 1970s
1. Auflage 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4094-4341-4
Verlag: Routledge

Buch, Englisch, 228 Seiten, Format (B × H): 161 mm x 240 mm, Gewicht: 517 g

Reihe: Studies in Childhood, 1700 to the Present

Lucy Pearson’s lively and engaging book examines British children’s literature during the period widely regarded as a ’second golden age’. Drawing extensively on archival material, Pearson investigates the practical and ideological factors that shaped ideas of ’good’ children’s literature in Britain, with particular attention to children’s book publishing. Pearson begins with a critical overview of the discourse surrounding children’s literature during the 1960s and 1970s, summarizing the main critical debates in the context of the broader social conversation that took place around children and childhood. The contributions of publishing houses, large and small, to changing ideas about children’s literature become apparent as Pearson explores the careers of two enormously influential children’s editors: Kaye Webb of Puffin Books and Aidan Chambers of Topliner Macmillan. Brilliant as an innovator of highly successful marketing strategies, Webb played a key role in defining what were, in her words, ’the best in children’s books’, while Chambers’ work as an editor and critic illustrates the pioneering nature of children's publishing during this period. Pearson shows that social investment was a central factor in the formation of this golden age, and identifies its legacies in the modern publishing industry, both positive and negative.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Pearson, Lucy

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Literaturwissenschaft Kinder- und Jugendliteratur, Märchen, Mythen, Sagen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Contents: Introduction: golden ages; The children’s literature scene; Kaye Webb and Puffin books; Aidan Chambers and Topliner; Conclusion: the making of modern children’s literature; Appendix: interview with Aidan Chambers; Bibliography; Index.

Über Autor(innen)

Lucy Pearson is Lecturer in Children’s Literature at Newcastle University, UK. Her research interests are focused around modern children’s literature and publishing, book history, and fan culture.