Time for a 17th century update! (The development of child literature)

The Emergence of Children's Literature in the 17th Century

As we recently discussed, the 17th century saw the rise of women's writing through the genre known as "mothers' legacies," where women created letters and documents for their children in case they did not survive childbirth. In addition to this, I discovered a fascinating aspect of literary history: the development of children's literature began during this century.

While most published works were created by men due to the restrictions placed on women of various social standings, the emergence of children's literature marked a significant cultural shift. This genre laid the groundwork for many authors we celebrate today, such as Dr. Seuss and Robert L. May, who may not have existed without the influences of this era.

One key figure in this development was John Newbery, a male publisher active in the 18th century. He was influenced by 17th-century philosopher John Locke, who advocated for the idea that children could enjoy reading for entertainment rather than solely for spiritual guidance. This perspective helped to pave the way for a more diverse range of literature aimed at young audiences.

For more on the history and development of children's literature, check out this URL: Children's Literature Development.