This book explores how the concept of childhood in the late-18th century was constructed through the ideological work performed by children's literature, as well as pedagogical writing and medical literature of the era. Andrew O'Malley ties the evolution of the idea of "the child" to the growth of the middle class, which used the figure of the child as a symbol in its various calls for social reform.

Originally published in 1946, this book contains a catalogue of an exhibition of children's books held that year at the National Book League's headquarters. The books range in date from the sixteenth century to the early twentieth and include a number of works by celebrated authors and illustrations such as John Calvin and Randolph Caldecott.

Based on personal experience as a participant and observer over nearly a decade, Hale explores the unique spiritual beliefs of this Afro-Brazilian religion originated in Rio de Janeiro in the early twentieth century.