WELCOME TO FROM INSTRUCTION TO DELIGHT.
This is the companion website for the third edition of From Instruction To Delight: An Anthology of Children's Literature to 1850, by Patricia Demers.
Children's literature as we know it did not exist before the mid-eighteenth century; yet from medieval times on, a wealth of poetry and prose was read by and to children. In this anthology Patricia Demers illustrates the development of that literature, from its earnest beginnings to the dawn of its Golden Age, introducing the selections and placing them in historical context. From early colloquies and hornbooks to charming miniature libraries, the selections-many of which are accompanied by their original illustrations-provide a special window through which to trace the developing concept of childhood in itself and the cultural value of the child.
On this companion site you can browse or search to find many color illustrations from and some full text reproductions of the children's books discussed in From Instruction To Delight as well as information about and links to many of the secondary sources referred to in the book. Go to the About page to find information about the author, book ordering and other resources for the study of children's literature.
STATISTICS:
- Total texts in database: 9
- Total images in database: 183
