RANDOLPH CALDECOTT: His Books and Illustrations for Young Readers (Bruce Peel Special Collections) - Softcover

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Softcover

ISBN 10: 1551952076 ISBN 13: 9781551952079

Publisher: UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA PRESS, 2006

Synopsis

Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886) was a pioneer in the way he charmed his young readers with an innovative and engaging aesthetic approach to the picture book genre. In celebration of this remarkable achievement, Desmarais offers a convincing account of how Caldecott established a new standard of taste in children's picture books. The featured books are from the author's personal collection.

About this title

About the Author

Robert Desmarais is Head of Special Collections at the University of Alberta. A graduate of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information Studies, with a Book History and Print Culture designation, he also has university degrees in English literature and publishing.

From the Back Cover

Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886), a remarkable figure in Victorian England, was distinguished by his enormous contribution to the illustration of books for children. Caldecott recognized the need for better quality children's books, and when he introduced his charming Picture Books, using an assortment of classic nursery rhymes and nonsensical tales as the subject material, the British public witnessed a new aesthetic. These coloured, wood-engraved illustrations appeared at a time when children's books desperately needed a transformation from utilitarian fare to objects of magnificent craftsmanship. Caldecott trusted his creative instincts, and he achieved something unique by persuading young readers to find pleasure in seeing mirrors of themselves in magical characters. He provided plenty of scope for the child's imagination by advancing the idea that a picture book should allow children an outlet for unrestricted flights of fancy. Indeed, Caldecott's delightful pictures provide wonderful opportunities for children and adults to truly immerse themselves in spellbinding adventures.

Edition details

• Publisher: UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA PRESS
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1551952076
• ISBN 13: 9781551952079
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 1