Literary Cultures and Nineteenth-Century Childhoods

This insightful exploration of childhood in literature examines texts from the nineteenth century, including works by prominent authors and the rise of children's magazines.

The book Literary Cultures and Nineteenth-Century Childhoods delves into the intricate construction of childhood and the evolution of children's literature during the nineteenth century. By employing innovative theoretical frameworks, it sheds light on aspects of literary childhoods that have only recently been explored. This fresh perspective allows for a comprehensive examination of how children are represented in significant works by authors such as Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charlotte Brontë, and Thomas Hardy, as well as in popular fiction aimed at younger audiences by writers like George MacDonald, Christabel Coleridge, and Kate Greenaway.

Moreover, the nineteenth century marked a transformative period with the emergence of children's magazines, which this volume includes in its broader definition of literary cultures. The book investigates the conceptualization of childhood and family, positioning children as readers across various genres, including the domestic novel, school stories, Robinsonades, and fantasy fiction. It also addresses how literary portrayals of childhood are intertwined with political themes and how they relate to perceptions of animals and the natural world.

Through its diverse range of chapters, Literary Cultures and Nineteenth-Century Childhoods illustrates the dynamic and varied nature of literary cultures during this era. The collection emphasizes the fluidity of childhood representations and encourages readers to reconsider the significance of children's literature and its impact on societal views of childhood.