Historical Dictionary of Children’s Literature 2nd edition
by Emer O’Sullivan (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023): 442pp, $180 (hbk), $171 (ebk) ISBN 9781 5381 22914 (hbk) ISBN 9781 5381 22921 (ebk)
Reviewed by Jane Hammett
Rowman & Littlefield’s series of Historical Dictionaries presents ‘essential information on a broad range of subjects, including world history, art, business, global conflicts, literature and sports. … Entries describe the main people, events, politics, social issues, institutions, and policies that make the topic unique.’
The first edition of the Historical Dictionary of Children’s Literature by Emer O’Sullivan, which is part of this series, was published in 2010. Since then,
much has happened in the field of children’s literature. New authors have come into print, new books have won awards, and new ideas have entered the discourse within children’s literature studies. (Foreword)
In response, O’Sullivan has updated and expanded her text to produce a second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Children’s Literature. The book starts with an illuminating chronology of children’s literature, from
c. 990 Aelfric’s Colloquy, Latin text for pupils at monastery schools.
to
2021 Dr. Seuss’s literary estate announces that they will cease publication of six Seuss titles because they “portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.”
This sets the scene nicely: this edition of the dictionary emphasises the importance of inclusion and diversity. The author is at pains to explain that, although in the past many authors were white men, today the voices of a much wider group – in terms of ethnicity, nationality, sex, gender, sexuality and religious belief – are being heard … and not a moment too soon.
How the Dictionary works
The 700 entries in the Historical Dictionary of Children’s Literature are in alphabetical order, with cross-references to other entries (signified by bold text or caps). As well as including short bios of authors, the dictionary discusses genres (including adventure fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, animal stories, historical fiction, mystery and adventure) and the problems facing children’s literature (such as ethnocentrism, racism and a lack of diversity).
The bibliography
The bibliography is 50 pages long, and contains all the references you could ever need about children’s literature, handily split into sections: general reference books; biographies, theory; themes; genres; translations; and the literature of different countries, split into continents.
Who is this book for?
Rowman’s website says that ‘this book will be an excellent resource for students, scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the field of children’s literature studies’. I agree, but only if they have deep pockets and are prepared to pay $180.00 (£138.00) for the hardback or $171.00 (£133.00) for the e-book. Especially in the current cost of living crisis, I’d find it impossible to justify the cost of this book – and I imagine that many editors will agree.
I reviewed the e-book. I much prefer the e-book format for this kind of book, as it’s much more practical to search than flicking through a 400-page book!
What is this book most useful for?
Reading about individual authors, discovering other authors who write in the same genre or about the same themes, and finding out more about the state of writing and publishing in the world today, and the issues facing the industry. And getting ideas for further reading on a topic.
Is this book essential for editors who work on books for children?
No, although it’s an absorbing, engaging, thought-provoking reminder of how children’s literature has changed over time. It made me think – and not for the first time – how lucky today’s children are to have access to such a wonderfully rich, diverse selection of books.