Childhood and the Classics
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About This Book
The dissemination of classical material to children has long been a major form of popularization with far-reaching effects, although until very recently it has received almost no attention within the growing field of classical reception studies. This volume explores the ways in which children encountered the world of ancient Greece and Rome in Britain and the United States over a century-long period beginning in the 1850s, as well as adults' literary responses to their own childhood encounters w
Our Review
This scholarly work offers a fascinating exploration of how ancient Greek and Roman culture has been adapted for young audiences across Britain and America from the Victorian era onward. Murnaghan meticulously traces the evolution of classical reception in children's literature, examining how myths, histories, and languages were transformed into age-appropriate formats. The book reveals how generations first encountered Odysseus, Hercules, and Roman legends through carefully filtered retellings that reflected contemporary values.
What distinguishes this study is its dual focus on both the historical transmission of classical material and adults' reflective responses to their childhood encounters with antiquity. Parents and educators interested in literary history will appreciate the insightful analysis of how these early exposures shaped cultural literacy and personal development. Murnaghan's research illuminates the enduring power of classical storytelling while providing valuable context for understanding how ancient narratives continue to resonate with modern readers.
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