Offers detailed interpretive readings of works by both well-known authors and authors no longer widely read, both deepening and broadening scholarly understanding of the tradition~Explores the childhood encounter from a range of informative perspectives, treating not only books directed towards children, but also adult books read by children (crossover texts), and adult literature that engages with childhood~Places particular works and evolving traditions within their historical contexts through rigorous attention to their background and origins~Addresses issues of current critical interest in both classical reception studies and children's literature studies, including questions of nationality and gender~Richly illustrated throughout with an eight-page colour plate section, supporting and complementing discussions of the important role and history of illustration throughout this period