A Century Of Welsh Myth In Children's Literature, Vol. 77
Myth, legend, and folklore have been entrenched in children's literature for several centuries and continue to be popular. Some of the most ancient traditional tales still extant come from the Celtic cultures of France and the British Isles, whose languages are among the oldest in Europe. Among these tales are four native Welsh legends collectively known as the Mabinogi, which were first translated into English in 1845 by Lady Charlotte Guest. Numerous children's books have been based on the...
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A broad overview of the history of Welsh myth in children's literature, from the 19th century to the present.Children's LiteratureIn this volume of "The Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy" series, White explores the influence of Welsh mythology on children's literature. Providing a critical examination of this subject from the perspective of a literary critic, this book will probably be of interest to students studying Welsh mythology, scholars of mythology and/or children's literature, and avid readers of Welsh mythology. White's introduction provides a brief description of the Celtic myth cycle the Mabinogi to provide context for her later discussions. She also provides a chapter length critical overview of the retelllings of the Mabinogi from 1896-1988. Taking an in-depth look at the portrayal of Welsh mythology in Lanier's The Boy's Mabinogion, Garner's The Owl Service and Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain, she concludes her book length study with an overview of the Mabinogi in fiction from 1970 to 1992. Written in a readable, but often dense style of academic writing, this book has a limited audience, but the author addresses her subject with skill, intelligence, and interest.
AcknowledgementsIntroduction1Ch. 1Sidney Lanier and The Boy's Mabinogion11Ch. 2Retellings of the Mabinogi, 1896-198831Ch. 3Kenneth Morris's Book of the Three Dragons55Ch. 4Alan Garner's The Owl Service73Ch. 5Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain97Ch. 6The Mabinogi in Fiction, 1970-1992121Conclusion141Works Cited147Index155
\ Children's Literature - Alexandria LaFaye\ In this volume of "The Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy" series, White explores the influence of Welsh mythology on children's literature. Providing a critical examination of this subject from the perspective of a literary critic, this book will probably be of interest to students studying Welsh mythology, scholars of mythology and/or children's literature, and avid readers of Welsh mythology. White's introduction provides a brief description of the Celtic myth cycle the Mabinogi to provide context for her later discussions. She also provides a chapter length critical overview of the retelllings of the Mabinogi from 1896-1988. Taking an in-depth look at the portrayal of Welsh mythology in Lanier's The Boy's Mabinogion, Garner's The Owl Service and Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain, she concludes her book length study with an overview of the Mabinogi in fiction from 1970 to 1992. Written in a readable, but often dense style of academic writing, this book has a limited audience, but the author addresses her subject with skill, intelligence, and interest.\ \ \ \ \ School Library JournalIn this highly readable volume, White concentrates on the ancient stories known collectively as the Mabinogi. She explores the various retellings that have been published in the last 150 years, focusing on the appearance of these stories and themes in original fantasy literature for children, most notably in the work of British writer Alan Garner and American author Lloyd Alexander. In exploring their novels, White illuminates the connection between the ancient legends and the authors' own creative inventions in plot, characterization, and theme. Other writers who have adapted parts of the Mabinogi in their books are discussed in less depth. Occasionally, White's own critical prejudices are too apparent; she is curiously dismissive of Nancy Bond's remarkable fantasy, A String in the Harp. However, she makes some fascinating points about the importance of fantasy, its appeal to certain types of readers, and the different perceptions of the genre in England and America. A significant study to support children's literature courses and for those with an interest in these distinctive myths.-Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.\ \ \ BooknewsDescribes and analyzes versions of the ancient Celtic myths adapted for children. Among them Sidney Lanier's
