Reading Series Fiction: From Arthur Ransome to Gene Kemp

by Victor Watson

Overview

This book investigates the 'series' in children's literature. The works of several well-known children's authors - UK and the US, traditional and contemporary - are analyzed, and using these examples, the book explores the special nature and appeal of series writing for children. As well as providing an historical overview of the series, the author raises important questions about the nature of literary criticism applied to children's literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781134588459
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/15/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Watson, Victor

Table of Contents

Introduction: a room full of friends Part I: Innocence aboard: Swallows and Amazons 1.A fellowship of innocence 2.The storm before the calm 3.Nancy Blackett - champion of goodness Part II: Series galore 4.Camping and tramping fiction, 1920-1960 5.The great Nanny-Narrator an the children of the War 6.Malco Saville: the price paid Part III: Fantasy 7.The Borrowers: brief encounters and a little air 8.Watching passionately: Lucy Boston and the Green Knowe series 9.The sun inside the window, shining out: The Dark Is Rising quintet Part IV: In and out of school 10.Jane Austen has gone missing 11.The various voices of Gene Kemp Conclusion: an invisible excellence

Editorial Reviews

A young student once told Watson that reading a new novel was like entering a room full of strangers, but picking up a book in a series was like walking into a room full of friends. This is the premise behind Watson's (Homerton College, Cambridge, UK) critical study of series fiction in children's literature. He argues that series<--> traditionally disdained in scholarly circles<-->played an enormous role in forming the reading habits of 20th century children and in fact are central to modern children's literature. Authors covered (most of them British) include Arthur Ransome, Hugh Lofting, Enid Blyton, Malcolm Saville, Mary Norton, Lucy Boston, and Gene Kemp; includes a handful of b&w illustrations from the series discussed. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

'This is criticism at its best: assessing children's literature by focussing on what children love about it, rather that what adults detest ... [it] is one of those rare books which will appeal as much to readers and collectors as to the critical establishment whom Victor Watson is trying to re-educate. I cannot recommend it highly enough.' - Sue Sims, Children's Book History Society

'This is that rare thing, an academic book that is as readable as the texts it investigates. Victor Watson's long practical and itellectual experience with children and children's literature informs every sentence of this elegantly written book. He has a braod view of what constitutes series writing, and that breadth is underpinned by a deatiled depth of knowledge of, and obvious love for, the majority of texts he deals with.' - Amanda Piesse, Children's Books in Ireland

'... provides not only good arguments for reconsidering this neglected area of children's reading but also a thought provoking view of how children read in general and therefore what effect different kinds of writing and story telling may have on them.' - Books for Keeps

From the Publisher