Writing History for Children: "The Children of the New Forest" by Captain Frederick Marryat
Writing History for Children: "The Children of the New Forest" by Captain Frederick Marryat

Summary/Abstract: This paper analyses Captain Frederick Marryat’s The Children of the New Forest, published in 1847, the first British historical novel addressed to children. The aim is to highlight the coming of a new interest in children’s literature, that is the use of history both for didactic purposes and for entertaining a juvenile audience. Through a simple and linear language, Captain Marryat depicts the historical context of 1647 during the time of the English Civil War, showing his unexpected support for the Royalist cause. The form of the Robinsonade used by the author also recalls the texts of Daniel Defoe and Johann Wyss. This entertaining adventure story with its incisive dramatic effects is a turning point for children’s literature as far as the theme of history is concerned.

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