A History of Children's Books in 100 Books

by RODERICK CAVE AND SA, Sara Ayad

While the modern children's book, intended specifically for the enjoyment of children, did not emerge until 18th-century Europe, its roots span centuries and children's literature began with fables, myths and folk tales from the oral tradition. A History of the Children's Book in 100 Books takes a global perspective and traces the development of the genre from ancient stories such as Aesop's Fables and the Indian Panchatantra, through the Puritan primers of the 17th century, to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, to the highly collectable Ladybird books of the 20th century, and up to modern classics and bestsellers such as the Harry Potter series. Illustrations have often been key components of children's stories, visualizing fantastic scenes and making them instantly recognizable. Original artwork from iconic illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Walter Crane and John Tenniel is beautifully reproduced throughout.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, History, Childrens, Adult

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2017

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely, big book with generous amounts of big colour illustrations, which is exactly what I want in a book about books. Lots of interesting children's book facts, I was surprised that after Dorothy Kunhardt's humorously titled Junket is Nice, she made a touchy-feely book in 1940! I thought this was a recent thing. Edible hornbooks-a sort of paddle shaped gingerbread with the alphabet on popular in the 1700s. There are pop up books, books that turn into a mini theatre, books with paper cut out dolls, and the scariest young children's book I have ever seen called The Tribulations of Tommy Tip Top, a cautionary tale about misbehaving, I certainly wouldn't want to see this book at bedtime.

Sadly my copy is from the library, this is the sort of book to flick through and dip into from time to time not one I would read cover to cover. It is wonderful to look through, and nice to spot so many favourites.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I hoped for. A big coffee-table book with small font, so almost impossible for me to actually read. Nor is there any clarity about what the actual 100 books are or why they're chosen... rather it's just another history of kid-lit, of which inumerable already exist. The bits of text I do squint to make out are boring. Also, it's from a British perspective, which, again, has been done. There's a bit from the Empire, but it's not truly international, which would be best, or American, which would make it more palatable to me.

Otoh, I do have books and illustrators to investigate, and I may be adding significantly to my TBR.

"The Life of a Bold AB on His Ship in the Rolling C" by Will Kidd

Frederick Warne aka Frederick Warne & Co for illustration

Dr. Seuss' "Midnight Paintings" are actual fine art...

I must remember to recommend the Panchatantra in the Children's Books group. I wish we could find a modern edition, beautifully illustrated, of stories from that tradition in every library, instead of more and more Aesop.

The Bird Talisman as ill. by Henry Allen Wedgwood is another lost story from an eastern tradition.

Other illustrators that intrigue me include L.M. Glazier and Raphael Tuck aka Raphael Tuck and Sons and Alhaji Abubakar Imam

I also want to investigate The Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat aka "Captain" Marryat, The Rose and the Ring, The Boy Who Drew Cats and Other Japanese Fairy Tales, and The King of the Golden River, all of which seem vaguely familiar to me but insufficiently so.

Barry Moser's art for Alice in Wonderland is probably worth a look. He did also reinsert an episode Tenniel caused to be left out, about a Wasp.

Welp, at a relatively easy $29.95, this heavy epic will be snatched up by libraries. Too bad, imo. I'd rather they invested in some of the source material, even if only by repairing books that, instead, they're weeding. (I opine that older children's books could be shelved protectively and kept out-of-the-way for scholars and nostalgic adults.)

[Sarah M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a good bit from this one!

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very good and a misleading title in my opinion! Strangely organized, this book presented various types of children literatures, but more in some type of arbitral classification, instead of a more chronological one, which I would have prefer. Instead it presented some sort of top 100 more influential work from the author perspective. An okay coffee table book, but not as instructive or engaging as I thought it would be. I wouldn't recommend it.

[Christen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gluttonous feast for anyone interested in how books for children have grown and changed throughout the years. The kind of book that begs to be set in the floor and flipped through as you rest on your stomach and elbows.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this. The narrative was choppy and disconnected. The book itself is lovely, but the title is misleading, since each of the 100 books is supported by descriptions of it's predecessors and successors which brings the number of books covered closer to 1000. A scholarly compendium, rather than a fun read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who’s fascinated by the origins, history and continuing development of children’s literature. I was thrilled when I noticed this title in the British Library collection.

The writing was, at times, a little dry. I guess this isn’t uncommon for a historical study and it maybe sounds unfair but I expected more zeal for a subject that, for me, is pure magic. I was impressed by the depth of the study and the references provided. I was also impressed by the in depth analysis of the texts, not just their content but right down to their design and construction. I found publishing trends and marketing strategies really fascinating - I didn’t expect to be so fascinated by this.

I thought the book was fair to the texts, showing them in their true context. Trends change. Opinions change. We as people and as readers change with the times. It’s fascinating to see which stories hold on and won’t let go (sometimes still fascinating readers and still in publication many years later), and, then, which others we soon cast aside and forget. And, ultimately, ask - what makes certain children’s books so popular with readers?

Not a quick read, it’s a book to study. But worth it. I’m glad I read it fully. I feel I know so much more, I look at some books in a completely different light and it provided plenty of references for future research (if I feel inclined).

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very comprehensive, almost academic look at the history and trends in children's books and the publishing industry that has sprouted up around them. Because it's written from a British standpoint, there were a lot of books I've never heard of and will be checking out soon. I really enjoyed this book and the only complaint is the size, since it doesn't lend to holding. I had to read it while eating at the table, which slowed my progress immensely, but I honestly don't see how that could be avoided. Without the size, the reader would lose out on all the wonderful images. It's displayed and formatted with such attention to detail, it's delightful. I really loved how they structured it too.

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on - like the title says - children's books. From ABC's to adventure books and comics, this book covers the whole variety of the history of children's literature. The authors selected their choices carefully and clearly put a lot of effort in research. I admire how they tell so much in comparatively little space.
The book is greatly designed (it's big!) with lots of pictures to get a very good idea of what the books described looked like. The book is originally British, but I think the text is not just translated but rather transferred to German in my edition. One of my best buys this year!

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read. Just a pity there weren't more books from other cultures.

[Jeremy]

WORLD comments here.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations

[Mills College Library]

002.08309 C378 2017