Fantasy has become an increasingly popular genre of children's
literature in recent years; Quests and Kingdoms provides a basis from
which an adult unfamiliar with the genre of children's fantasy
literature may explore it. Quests is an historical survey for the
interested general reader, which will be of great practical value to
library and education professionals as well. Though the aim is to give
adults concerned with bringing children (or teens) and books together a
familiarity with the children's fantasy genre and its history, for those
who already know and love the classics of children's fantasy Quests
will be an introduction to works and authors they may have missed.
Taking a chronological approach, Quests begins with the fairy-tale
collections of d'Aulnoy, Perrault, and the Grimms and works its way up
to the novels of J.K. Rowling and Garth Nix, covering over three
centuries of fantasy read by children. The lives of 95 authors are
looked at and placed in historical context, while their works are
introduced through both synopses and analysis. Quests also includes
chapters on Tolkien, retellings of traditional stories, and King Arthur
and Robin Hood. More than 500 works are discussed, and the thorough
index makes the book a practical reference resource as well as a history
and an introduction to the best in the genre.
8 comments:
Sounds like a fascinating book!
That's what I'm writing, now, a quest book. I should have thought of that for my Q-entry!
And it's a kid's book, or at least an Adult / Young Adult book.
- Eric
A Quest is the source of question, and that is what we all should do. I love the idea of "Quest".
Very useful for writers too, Rachel. :0)
Good luck with your personal quest book, Eric. You would find Johansen's book an interesting read.
It is a very interesting book, Susan, and a great resource for writers.
Sounds the sort of book a young friend here might enjoy. I will make a note and treat him.
It is very useful for a children's author too, Glynis.
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