A history of books for children from colonial times to the 1850's.

While Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are often credited with inventing American environmental writing, Matthew Wynn Sivils argues that the works of these Transcendentalists must be placed within a larger literary tradition that has its origins in early Republic natural histories, Indian captivity narratives, Gothic novels, and juvenile literature. Authors such as William Bartram, Ann Eliza Bleecker, and Samuel Griswold Goodrich, to name just a few, enabled the development of a credibly American brand of proto-environmental fiction. Sivils argues that these seeds of environmental literature would come to fruition in James Fenimore Cooper’s The Pioneers, which he argues is the first uniquely environmental American novel. He then connects the biogeographical politics of Cooper’s The Prairie with European anti-Americanism; and concludes this study by examining how James Kirke Paulding, Thomas Cole, and James Fenimore Cooper imaginatively addressed the problem of human culpability and nationalistic cohesiveness in the face of natural disasters. With their focus on the character and implications of the imagined American landscape, these key works of early environmental thought contributed to the growing influence of the natural environment on the identity of the fledgling nation decades before the influences of Emerson's Nature and Thoreau's Walden.

Discover the charming and historical world of childhood literature with Rosalie Vrylina Halsey’s "Forgotten Books of the American Nursery." This fascinating exploration delves into the evolution of American children's books from the colonial era to the early days of the Republic, revealing a collection of stories and illustrations that once captivated young readers. In "Forgotten Books of the American Nursery," Halsey presents a vivid picture of the changing landscape of children's literature, from the earliest coverless chap-books to the intricately bound volumes of the early nineteenth century. These books, with their varied and colorful bindings, reflect the rich cultural heritage and evolving tastes of American society over time. Ever wondered how children's literature evolved from simple chap-books to the beautifully bound stories of early America? Halsey’s book offers a unique glimpse into these forgotten treasures, highlighting the shift from humble beginnings to the more elaborate and cherished volumes that marked the growth of American nursery literature. What stories and illustrations shaped the imaginations of children in different eras? Explore this captivating collection to uncover the history and evolution of American children's books. Halsey’s insightful examination brings to light the enduring charm and historical significance of these literary gems, offering readers a deeper appreciation for the foundations of childhood reading. Ready to explore the literary past of American nursery books? Dive into "Forgotten Books of the American Nursery" and rediscover the stories that once enchanted young minds. Don’t miss the chance to connect with the roots of children's literature. Purchase "Forgotten Books of the American Nursery" today and embark on a journey through the cherished books of America’s early years.