The Story of the Nursery

This book provides a fascinating insight into the lives of young children during the Middle Ages and early twentieth century, revealing the methods used to raise them and the impact of adult society on their development. It also highlights the confidence and certainty of parents in those times, which modern parents may find difficult to achieve.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1958, this captivating reconstruction delves into the lives of young children during the Middle Ages and the early years of the twentieth century. It unveils the extraordinary methods employed to nurture these children from infancy to approximately seven years old, encompassing their clothing, diet, fearsome remedies for illness, toys, games, books, and initial steps in education. Through this narrative, we witness how the pristine simplicity of a child's nature remains remarkably unchanged throughout centuries, shaped by the pressures of the adult society surrounding them into a semblance of the accepted contemporary type.

This tale of the nursery extends beyond the children themselves, encompassing their parents as well. Within its pages, we encounter parents who exhibit sternness, harshness, and even cruelty, alongside numerous loving and nurturing ones. However, what stands out in these parents of bygone eras is an undeniable aura of unwavering confidence and certainty that modern parents, well-versed in child psychology, may find challenging to attain. As noted by a seventeenth-century worthy, "For that which always happens in a concern so universal as breeding children must needs be provided for by a traditional method of proceeding."

This reconstruction serves as a poignant reminder of the evolution of parenting practices and the changing societal norms that have shaped the lives of children over time. It sheds light on the unwavering belief and trust that these early caregivers had in their methods, despite the lack of scientific knowledge and modern-day resources. It also highlights the profound impact that societal expectations and norms have had on shaping the nature and development of children, as they navigate the complex web of influences that surround them.

In conclusion, this reconstruction offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of young children during the Middle Ages and the early twentieth century. It provides a valuable perspective on the methods employed to nurture and educate these children, as well as the societal pressures and expectations that shaped their development. Through its pages, we gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of parenting practices and the impact they have had on the lives of children throughout history.

Weight: 725g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032367637