Antarctica in British Children's Literature

British authors have been writing about Antarctica for child readers for over a century, but this literature has never been explored in detail. Antarctica in British Childrens Literature examines this field for the first time, identifying the dominant genres and recurrent themes and tropes while interrogating how this landscape has been constructed as a wilderness within British literature for children. The text is divided into two sections: Part I focuses on the stories of early-twentieth-century explorers such as Robert F. Scott and Ernest Shackleton, and Part II focuses on fictional narratives set in the Antarctic, including early-twentieth-century whaling literature, adventure and fantasy texts, contemporary animal stories, and environmental texts for children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

For over a century, British authors have been captivating young readers with tales of the Antarctic, yet this rich body of literature has remained largely unexplored. Antarctica in British Childrens Literature is a groundbreaking exploration of this field, delving into the dominant genres, recurring themes, and tropes that have shaped the portrayal of this icy landscape in British children's literature.

The text is organized into two distinct sections. The first section, titled "The Explorers," focuses on the stories of early-twentieth-century explorers like Robert F. Scott and Ernest Shackleton. It explores the profound influence of children's literature on the expedition writings of Scott, particularly through the close friendship he shared with author J.M. Barrie. The text also sheds light on the significant role that children's literature played in the contemporary revival of interest in Scott's long-term rival, Ernest Shackleton.

The second section, titled "Fictional Narratives," delves into the realm of fictional narratives set in the Antarctic. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including early-twentieth-century whaling literature, adventure and fantasy texts, contemporary animal stories, and environmental texts specifically designed for children. These two sections together offer a captivating insight into how depictions of the Antarctic have evolved over the past century, reflecting profound shifts in attitudes towards wilderness and wild landscapes.

Through its comprehensive analysis, Antarctica in British Childrens Literature sheds light on the enduring fascination with this remote and enigmatic continent, providing a valuable contribution to the study of children's literature and the broader cultural landscape.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367493288