Influential Children’s Book Authors: Newbery to Baum
Influential Children’s Book Authors
J. Newbery (1713-1767) was born in Waltham, Berkshire, England, into a farming family. He loved reading and drawing as a child. At 16, he learned printing from William Carnan and assisted with Carnan’s newspaper, the Reading Mercury. He began writing and selling children’s books, recognizing a growing market, especially during the Christmas holidays. His books aimed to amuse and educate. His first success was A Pretty Little Pocket Book (1744). In 1781, his firm
Read MoreChivalric Novels: Tirant lo Blanc & Ausias March
Chivalric Novels: From Medieval France to Valencia
The Origins of Chivalric Literature
The early novels of knights appeared in France during the second half of the twelfth century and found a loyal and enthusiastic readership. These works are based on legends that emerged in the Plantagenet court.
Their protagonists are virtuous knights, such as King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. In search of adventure, and driven by love for a lady, they venture into hostile lands and must overcome extraordinary
Read MoreMystery in the Pyrenees: A Poirot Story
Chapter 1
Mrs. Poirot wrote about how much had come and why they had been in that corner of the Pyrenees, what the weather was like, and the landscape of all who had stopped in London. The only mystery that should be ready for was the hospitality meal.
Ms. Puig approached the table where Mr. Poirot was writing, to speak with him. He spoke Catalan with Mr. Poirot, as beautiful as the day was. And where was Mr. Poirot?
Miss Henrietta approached two tables with bread and wine. All three were speaking
Read MoreKey Figures and Theories in Linguistics and Child Language
Key Figures in Linguistics and Child Language
Ferdinand de Saussure, often considered the father of modern linguistics, introduced a crucial dichotomy: the separation of langue (the abstract system of language) and parole (the concrete act of speaking).
Jean Piaget: Cognitive Development Stages
Jean Piaget’s work focused on the cognitive development of children, emphasizing mental structures. He described intelligence as having two key components:
- Assimilation: Integrating new experiences into existing
The Enduring Legacy of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes Lives On
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional private detective who uses his talent for logical thinking to solve complex mysteries. He is frequently depressed, bored, and socially snobbish. He apparently never had an affair and has few friends besides his assistant, Dr. John H. Watson, the narrator of the story, with whom he shares a house at 221b Baker Street in London. From this description, Holmes does not seem like an obvious character to have fascinated readers for more than one hundred
Read MoreCharacters and Themes in Calderón de la Barca’s Play
Clarin
Clarin is a comedic character. In Renaissance plays (like those of Lope de Rueda), the figure of grace, a funny servant, appeared. Lope de Vega adopted this character but gave him more importance, making him a key element of Spanish theater. Calderón surpassed Lope’s characterization, making Clarin a significant figure, especially for the moral lessons he represents. Clarin becomes a symbol, and his death summarizes the significance of the work. More than a deterministic stance, Clarin’s
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