American Children's Literature and the Construction of Childhood (Twayne's History of American Childhood Series)
This concise review of American children's literature covers the years from 1660 to 1990. Murray's perspective is more historical than literary, and this work makes an important contribution to understanding how children's books reflect the distinct historical and cultural changes in this country. The story is told in chronological order with one useful exception. Midway, the author clusters together the issues of minority cultures (from 1850 to 1930), making it easier to consider them as a whole. She included only works of fiction that she felt best reflected American culture, and in which adult messages to children were most explicit. The bibliographical essay at the end is helpful to scholars. Black-and-white reproductions from some of the books included appear throughout. Since there is no comprehensive history of childhood in America, this volume may serve as an introduction to that vast subject, and will be of interest to scholars and students of American children's books.-Virginia Golodetz, Children's Literature New England, Burlington, VTCopyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.