The Haunted Wood: A History of Childhood Reading

Sam Leith's "The Haunted Wood: A History of Childhood Reading" explores the complex landscape of children's literature, emphasizing its intertextual nature and the ongoing debate about its intended audience. Leith adopts a chronological approach, tracing the evolution of childhood reading from oral storytelling to contemporary works, while highlighting the influence of key figures like Aesop, Rousseau, and J.K. Rowling. He discusses the tension between entertaining and educating young readers, noting that many authors draw from personal trauma to create their narratives. The book also addresses misconceptions about authors, such as Lewis Carroll, and critiques recent controversies surrounding children's literature, including the sanitization of Roald Dahl's works. Leith's engaging style combines humor with scholarly insight, making the book accessible to a general audience. He argues for the importance of children's literature in a modern context, despite challenges posed by technology and changing societal values. While the book synthesizes a wealth of information, it occasionally lacks depth in certain areas, such as the portrayal of female characters in classic texts. Overall, "The Haunted Wood" serves as both a history and a defense of children's literature, celebrating its richness and complexity.

- Sam Leith's book examines the evolution and significance of children's literature.

- The author highlights the tension between entertainment and moral instruction in children's books.

- Leith addresses misconceptions about notable authors and recent controversies in the genre.

- The book is written in an engaging style, making it accessible to a broad audience.

- It emphasizes the ongoing relevance of children's literature in a technologically advanced society.