This is the first installment of a complete critical edition of Godwin’s ten contributions to his Juvenile Library. It makes available for the first time since 1824 the first text that Godwin both authored and published under his own imprint, Fables Ancient and Modern. Adapted for the Use of Children from Three to Eight Years of Age (1805), along with a comprehensive introduction and extensive notes by the editors. While literary historians have long been aware that radical author William Godwin wrote and published children's books, these works are substantially less visible than his novels and philosophical writings. Yet, the profound cultural impact of Godwin's children's literature—especially as an expression of his social politics—necessitates their reproduction and welcomes further critical inquiry.
Introduction: The Radical Aesop: William Godwin and the Juvenile Library, 1805-1825
Suzanne L. Barnett, Katherine Bennett GustafsonExcerpt:
Why would Godwin—anarchist philosopher, political advocate, and successful novelist and dramatist—decide in the middle of his career to pseudonymously author, publish, and sell children's books? Second, what is the relationship between Godwin's children's books and his other writings? At first glance, Godwin's decision to publish books for children appears at once unlikely and unwise: the Juvenile Library's success depended on Godwin's anonymity because of his reputation for radical politics and loose morals.
Excerpt:
I have long thought that fables were the happiest vehicle which could be devised for the instruction of children in the first period of their education. The stories are short; a simple and familiar turn of incident runs through them; and the mediums of instruction they employ are animals, some of the first objects with which the eyes and the curiosity of children are conversant.
Excerpt:
I have long thought that fables were the happiest vehicle which could be devised for the instruction of children in the first period of their education. The stories are short; a simple and familiar turn of incident runs through them; and the mediums of instruction they employ are animals, some of the first objects with which the eyes and the curiosity of children are conversant.
A Complete Bibliography of titles released by Godwin's Juvenile Library and City Juvenile Library
Suzanne L. Barnett, Katherine Bennett GustafsonExcerpt:
Although most of these titles continued to have long production histories throughout the nineteenth century (both under the Godwins' imprints and those of other publishers), we have chosen to list only the first editions for the sake of clarity. Titles written pseudonymously by Godwin himself are indicated by bold type.
Excerpt:
This is the first installment of a complete critical edition of Godwin’s ten contributions to his Juvenile Library. It makes available for the first time since 1824 the first text that Godwin both authored and published under his own imprint, Fables Ancient and Modern. Adapted for the Use of Children from Three to Eight Years of Age (1805), along with a comprehensive introduction and extensive notes by the editors.
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Originally Published Date: 1805