Summary

The books we read as children are perhaps the most memorable, capturing our imagination and leaving a lasting impression that forever afterwards evokes feelings of nostalgia. This delightful book celebrates a century of children's literature through over 50 portraits of famous British writers and writer-illustrators, many of which have been selected from the collections of the National Portrait Gallery. From the idyllic rural England inhabited by charming animal characters created by Beatrix Potter and A.A. Milne, to the adventure stories of Arthur Ransome and Captain W.E. Johns, from Benjamin Zephaniah and Jacqueline Wilson's light-hearted but socially real depictions of children living in modern times to the escapism provided in the magical fantasy worlds of J.K. Rowling's phenomenally successful Harry Potter series, Julia Eccleshare's lively and informative text presents a vivid portrayal of some of the best-known children's writers. The works illustrated are arranged chronologically, divided into twenty-year periods, and include photographs, paintings, drawings and sculpture as well as manuscripts and book jackets of first editions. Each period begins with a general introduction, presenting the cultural context and historical background, followed by biographical descriptions of the writers themselves. This fascinating book will appeal to readers of all ages, and captures the true personalities of those children's writers who, whether consciously or subconsciously, reflect the spirit of their time.