Review: Understanding Context of Content of Childrens' Books in 1800's
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 4, 2011
While this is not a bedtime story for children, it should be noted that books written for children in the 1800's included some realities of life that were not uncommon. Drowning cats are disturbing, but also is the story of "Beautiful Joe" an autobiography of a dog, written from his perspective in 1893. As a puppy, he was owned by a cruel man who cut off his ears and tail when he defended his mother. I read this story when I was very young and the story stuck with me forever, although it was written 75 years before. It made me realize that man's inhumanity to man and beast was universal and it was one of man's uglier traits. This book gained much positive attention when it was written.Also consider Louisa May Alcott wrote "Little Women" in 1880, and she tells of the death of the youngest sister, Beth. This is also a book written for the younger set."Letters From a Cat" contains a fairly interesting tale and is suitable for adults as well. It is what the title says, letters from a cat to its young owner while she is away from home. Charming, if you've a fancy for Victorian literature.