Reading Transatlantic Girlhood in the Long Nineteenth Century

This collection explores the transatlantic exchange of culture and ideas in nineteenth-century girls' fiction, challenging the notion that women and children were confined to the domestic sphere. It highlights how girls were often expected to travel abroad to acquire new cultural frames and enter adulthood, and how literature provided a means for them to do so even if they could not afford to travel physically. The books examined include Adeline Trafton's An American Girl Abroad (1872), Johanna Spyris' Heidi (1881), and Elizabeth W. Champneys' Vassar Girl Series (1883-92).

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking collection is a pioneering exploration into the intricate and multifaceted transatlantic exchanges of culture and ideas in nineteenth-century girls' fiction. As such, it serves as a catalyst for engaging discussions about how the motif of travel in literature played a crucial role in educating nineteenth-century girl audiences about their cultural biases, offering them a fresh and insightful perspective on literature that is often studied within the confines of national contexts. In nineteenth-century America, women and children were often portrayed as being predominantly confined to the domestic realm, perpetuating the notion that their roles and responsibilities were solely within the home. However, this collection boldly challenges this notion and reveals that girls, in particular, were frequently expected to embark on journeys abroad and acquire new cultural frameworks in order to transition into adulthood.

Despite the financial constraints that may have prevented some girls from physically traveling to other lands, this collection showcases that they could still engage with the world through the stories that traveled to them from distant lands or the narratives they immersed themselves in that recounted the experiences of others. Through these transatlantic exchanges, authors, readers, and the characters within the texts explored the concept of self, challenging traditional notions and expanding their understanding of identity and belonging.

The volume examines a diverse range of books, including notable works such as Adeline Trafton's An American Girl Abroad (1872), Johanna Spyris's Heidi (1881), and Elizabeth W. Champneys' eleven-book Vassar Girl Series (1883-92). These texts provide valuable insights into the cultural and societal norms of nineteenth-century America, as well as the experiences and challenges faced by girls during this period. By delving into the transatlantic exchanges of culture and ideas, this collection offers a rich and comprehensive understanding of the role of girls' fiction in shaping nineteenth-century society and culture.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367499174