Children's Literature in the Nordic World

This volume explores the role of books in the lives and upbringing of young people in the Nordic countries from the 1750s to the present, focusing on Denmark. It highlights the distinctive reading cultures and the interactions between literature and changing views of childhood. The emergence of a dedicated market for children's books coincided with national school reforms, and children's use of books and media is closely related to adults' wishes to influence their future. The book demonstrates how children's exposure to and use of media impacted the Nordic welfare state, and vice versa, and offers new knowledge about the material and social history of books, literature, and childhood.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Aarhus Universitetsforlag

This comprehensive volume offers an international audience a deep exploration into the profound impact of books on the lives and upbringing of young people in the Nordic region from the 1750s to the present day. Charlotte Appel and Nina Christensen, in their insightful analysis, go beyond a mere overview of notable texts and characters to delve into the unique reading cultures of the Nordic countries, shedding light on the intricate interplay between literature and evolving perspectives on childhood. With a special emphasis on Denmark, the authors examine how books have shaped the educational experiences and cultural development of young individuals throughout history.

The emergence of a dedicated market for children's books in the Global North, coinciding with national school reforms, saw the introduction of new books specifically designed for and targeted at young readers, learners, and citizens. Children's engagement with books and media is intricately linked to adults' desires to influence a child's present and future through instruction, entertainment, or play. Throughout the chapters, strong continuities and remarkable changes in the relationships between child readers and adult authors, artists, publishers, teachers, librarians, and parents are highlighted across centuries.

By centering children as the primary users and producers of texts, this interdisciplinary and transnational history unfolds, revealing how children's exposure to and utilization of media have shaped the Nordic welfare state and vice versa. The study explores the complex dynamics between children's internal desires and grown-ups' external expectations, shedding light on the evolving interplay between children's aspirations and the societal norms and regulations governing their access to various forms of media.

As narratives for young audiences continue to be rewritten, republished, and adapted into new forms, this concise synthesis provides valuable insights into the material and social history of books, literature, and childhood. It highlights the profound ways in which books have shaped the intellectual, emotional, and social development of individuals, contributing to their overall well-being and contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the Nordic region.

Dimension: 559 x 356 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788772195919