Irish Children's Literature and the Poetics of Memory

This book explores the connections between landscape, time, and identity in Irish children's literature, using myth and language to engage with Ireland's culture and heritage. It discusses the development of a pattern of retrieving, re-telling, remembering, and re-imagining myths in children's books between 1892 and 2016, demonstrating the reciprocity between imagination, memory, and childhood experiences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of mythological narratives that have shaped Irish children's literature, exploring the profound connections between landscape, time, and identity. By examining the interplay between myth and the language of myth, it offers authors and readers a unique opportunity to engage with Ireland's rich cultural and heritage. The book embarks on a fascinating exploration of the recurring patterns of Irish mythological narratives that have influenced literature produced for children in Ireland across the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries. Through a meticulous selection of children's books published between 1892, a period marked by an intensified cultural pursuit of Irish independence, and 2016, which celebrated the centenary of the Easter 1916 rebellion against English rule, the book showcases the evolution of a captivating pattern of myth retrieval, retelling, remembering, and reimagining in Irish children's literature.

In this intricate examination, the book delves into the reciprocal relationship between imagination, memory, and childhood experiences, shedding light on the ways in which these elements intertwine to create a rich and evocative body of work. It uncovers the profound ways in which mythological narratives have been retold and reinterpreted to resonate with young readers, fostering a deeper understanding of Irish culture and heritage while also nurturing the imagination and fostering a sense of wonder.

Through its comprehensive analysis, this book provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Irish children's literature, highlighting the ways in which mythological narratives continue to inspire and shape the stories that captivate generations of young readers. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of myth and the profound impact it has on the cultural and literary landscape of Ireland.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350167254