International Companion Encyclopedia of Children's Literature [Hardcover]

Peter Hunt (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0415088569 | ISBN-13: 978-0415088565

The International Companion Encyclopedia answers these questions and provides comprehensive coverage of children's literature from a wide range of perspectives. Over 80 substantial essays by world experts include Iona Opie on the oral tradition, Gillian Avery on family stories and Michael Rosen on audio, TV and other media. The Companion covers a broad range of topics, from the fairy tale to critical theory, from the classics to comics.
Structure The Companion is divided into five sections:
1) Theory and Critical Approaches
2) Types and Genres
3) The Context of Children's Literature
4) Applications of Children's Literature
5) The World of Children's Literature
Each essay is followed by references and suggestions for further reading. The volume is fully indexed.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Ambitious in scope, this compilation of essays encompasses critical theory, history, world production of children's books, and practical aspects of li- brarianship and teaching. Some pieces are informative and thought-provoking; others are pompous, strangely incomplete, and sometimes misleading. More interpretive than other single-volume companions, it offers diverse views on subjects of literary theory. Even essays on book awards, children's magazines, and information books reflect each writer's political and literary bent. Many entries seem curiously out-of-date, with little reference to books or developments since the early 1980s. Though the emphasis is decidedly British, many articles refer to U.S. parallels or influences, and the volume includes several American and Canadian contributors. The analytical perspective and source lists in each entry will appeal to those with an academic interest in children's book publishing around the world. Though lengthy, the index is frustratingly incomplete. ?Margaret Bush, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

'The International Companion is a very welcome addition to the reference books available on children's literature. There are excellent bibliographical references here, where you can find information on everything from journals, libraries and collections to censorship, television and video. This book will prove indispensable for scholars and librarians.' - Children's Books in Ireland

'Containing enough information to fuel dozens of separate books, it communicates clearly without losing academic rigour in a way that has sometimes marred previous collections. Students of children's literature will surely fall upon this volume; their tutors could learn much from it too ... every chapter is original.' - Times Higher Education Supplement

'An exceedingly valuable reference work ... Peter Hunt is to be congratulated on taking on such a formidably ambitious task, with results which will ensure its usefulness well into the coming century.' - School Librarian

'An excellent purchase for any library ... will prove useful to students starting off their reading in the field as well as to readers further into the topics. The reader is struck by the wide range of bibliographical information. We really have been waiting for a book like this for a long time. It will satisfy most readers' needs and expectations...and will serve as an essential resource work wherever children's literature is seriously discussed.' - Reference Reviews

'this encyclopedia offers oce againa aninspiring model for exploring the complex nature of children's literature' - Buchbesprechungen

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 944 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (July 31, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415088569
• ISBN-13: 978-0415088565
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,182,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)