The Making of Modern Children's Literature in Britain

This archival study offers a compelling investigation into the forces that shaped British children's literature during its celebrated 'second golden age' in the 1960s and 1970s. Drawing extensively on unpublished materials, Pearson examines the practical publishing decisions and ideological debates that defined what constituted 'good' children's literature during this transformative period. The book provides a critical overview of the discourse surrounding children's publishing, moving beyond literary analysis to reveal how institutional forces influenced the books that reached young readers.

What makes this work distinctive is its focus on the publishing industry's role in shaping literary culture, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at how editorial decisions and market forces intersected with creative expression. Literature students and publishing professionals will appreciate the nuanced exploration of how cultural value gets assigned to children's books, while general readers interested in literary history will find the archival discoveries particularly illuminating. Pearson's research fundamentally changes how we understand this pivotal era in children's literary development, revealing the complex machinery behind the books that defined generations.