'Popular children's literature has shaped our culture for around 400 years, and this book - scholarly, accessible, and wide-ranging - does full justice to a vitally important and yet curiously elusive literary form. Written by world-class specialists, it could well become the standard work'. Peter Hunt, Cardiff University, UK ’... cogent, helpful general introduction...A wide-ranging, richly informative treatment that ... Read moredoes not limit or restrict the concept of ’popularity’ in children’s literature...Recommended.’ Choice ’Historians of children's literature will welcome this book of essays, which reflects an expanded purview of scholars inside the discipline who look beyond the traditional boundaries of children's literature and suggests why scholars outside the discipline are beginning to find children's literature a rewarding primary source for social history.’ Sharp News ’This book fulfils the expectations its range of distinguished contributors raises. It provides a lively and scholarly historical study that spans British children's literature from its beginning to Harry Potter, and is informative, challenging, and most enjoyable to read. ... the book amply rewards the careful reader with a greater breadth of analysis than popular children's literature in Britain has yet enjoyed.’ The Library ’... a fascinating addition to the study of popular children's fiction. It is entertaining, scholarly, and enlightening, and to be commended.’ Children's Books History Society ’Ashgate have carved out an interesting niche for themselves in this specialized area and readers may wish to explore their online catalogue for items on early childhood, women and education, Oscar Wilde and Rudyard Kipling. The book under review is destined for the academic library and for the scholarly shelf - there are specialists enough around the world. But above all, it is aimed at anyone who wants a good working list of critical and bibliographical works on early Show Less