Anyone know about the history of children's literature? I have a weird question.

[NowBringUsSomeFuzzpiggyPudding]

Not sure if this is the best place but I'm hoping somebody knowledgeable can answer this for me. :)

So, I've been reading chapter books to my 6yo and we've nearly finished the unabridged Peter Pan and Wendy. It's the first chapter book we've done that was unfamiliar to me (in that I hadn't read it myself as a child) and I was really surprised at just how tricky some of the language was and how lengthy the descriptions are compared to more recent books.

Should've expected it really but it got me thinking, did children at the time of PPAW etc have much better understanding of more elaborate language and they would have understood it as easily as modern children would understand a modern book? Is it just that the English language as a whole has changed?

Or is it because back then (I'm crap at history, can you tell?!) only wealthier children had access to education and books and so a higher standard of language was used?

Or is it that at the time, authors were less aware of their audience and the 'need' to simplify things for children to be able to understand them?

Does any of that even make sense hoping somebody gets what I mean!

I had forgotten about 'where the wild things are' & Rosie's walk. Not sure why - I love wtwta. Hmmm...yes they certainly are using disconnect.
This is such an interesting discussion I wish I had the time & resources to go and do a degree in children's literature & history.

btw, not entirely on topic, but the sainted Michael Rosen has a new book out on the history of the alphabet - fascinating read.

Ooh! One of the chapters in my thesis is about the alphabet. I have never had much cause to say that before!

(And yes, farting stepmother would be such an enticing power for small boys.)

Oh my gosh Errol, it's just before Christmas, I'm in a bad mood and slightly pre-menstrual and you unleash that poem on me...

If it makes you feel any better, I had to look it up in my 'Poetry Please' as I couldn't remember the title so I inflicted it on myself too.

LDR what's your PhD on? Don't make us all jealous and say children's literature!

Oh, I wish!

It was medieval manuscripts, mostly religious. But I was trying to establish how differently people learned to read then and now, which is why I looked at the alphabet. I do love children's literature, though.

Now I'm longing to do a PhD on children's literature...

Me too.

Mainly I just want to re-read it though, this thread has been brilliant for reminding me of things/putting me onto new things.

Thanks OP!

I've wanted to do a Masters in it for years but not sure of how it could be used after ie would be doing it for me and not the family coffers which sadly is not an option.