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Cover of A Century of Welsh Myth in Children's Literature

A Century of Welsh Myth in Children's Literature

by Donna R. White

Book Details

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Published:1998-04-08
Pages:174
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

Age Range:4-8

About This Book

Myth, legend, and folklore have been entrenched in children's literature for several centuries and continue to be popular. Some of the most ancient traditional tales still extant come from the Celtic cultures of France and the British Isles, whose languages are among the oldest in Europe. Among these tales are four native Welsh legends collectively known as the Mabinogi, which were first translated into English in 1845 by Lady Charlotte Guest. Numerous children's books have been based on the Mab

Our Review

This scholarly work traces the enduring legacy of the Mabinogi, a cornerstone of Welsh mythology, as it has been adapted for young readers over the past century. The book meticulously examines how these ancient Celtic tales, first translated for a wider audience in the mid-19th century, have been reinterpreted through picture books, novels, and story collections. It provides a fascinating literary history for parents and educators seeking to understand the cultural roots of modern fantasy.

White’s analysis is particularly valuable for its insight into how complex themes of magic, heroism, and transformation are made accessible to children. This text is an essential resource for adults looking to build a culturally rich library or to select meaningful retellings of these foundational Welsh legends. It offers a deeper appreciation for how myth continues to shape contemporary children's literature.

Themes

Literary Criticism

Subjects

Literary Criticism