The Oxford Companion to Children’s Literature

by Humphrey Carpenter and Mari Prichard

Oxford University Press, 1984, [Reprinted with corrections], ISBN 0192115820, lightly illustrated with black and white photographs and  illustrations in text, hardcover, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, no inscriptions, dustjacket contacted to cover, shows minor edge and shelf wear  (see photographs)

“After many years of being considered at best trivial, at worst corrupting, the status of children’s literature has changed dramatically over the last two decades, giving rise to serious critical consideration, both scholarly and popular.  This new companion brings together all aspects of the subject.  More than 900 biographical entries deal with authors, illustrators, printers, publishers, educationists: among these, major figures are given extensive and penetrating consideration.  Other entries cover traditional narrative materials; characters from books, cartoons, comic strips, radio, and television; genres such as school stories, science fiction, dime novels; printing and reproduction processes; and many aspects of children’s play and learning.
The plots of major works of fiction are summarized, with accounts of their publishing history and evaluations of their standing with today’s readers.  The historical span stretches from the early romances and legends enjoyed by children ( though not composed for them) to the major publishing industry that children’s books represent today.”