European Fairy Tales from the Renaissance to the Late Victorian Era: The Child of the Fairy Tale

This book explores how childhood and the fairy tale changed together in the mid-nineteenth century, with modernity liberating the marginalized, including children, as independent subjects of historical inquiry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2020
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between childhood and the fairy tale, shedding light on how they both underwent significant transformations in response to the historical upheavals of the mid-nineteenth century. While the fairy tale played a pivotal role in shaping the social construction of childhood, the latter, in turn, played a critical role in reshaping the narrative structure of the fairy tale itself. When viewed in this interconnected context, the story of childhood becomes intricately intertwined with the fairy tale, and both are intricately linked to the evolving nature of modernity as it shifted its focus in response to the changing dynamics of the civilizing process.

However, the true transformative power of modernity emerges when a diverse range of marginalized individuals, including children, begin to assert themselves and gain recognition as independent subjects of historical inquiry. This seismic shift in perspective allows for a reimagining of the world, one that recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of their age or social status.

Through its exploration of the complex relationship between childhood, the fairy tale, and modernity, this book offers a profound insight into the forces that have shaped our understanding of these essential aspects of human experience. It challenges us to reevaluate our assumptions and beliefs about childhood, the fairy tale, and the role of modernity in shaping our world, and encourages us to embrace a more inclusive and compassionate perspective on the past and present.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433170980
Edition number: New ed