Description
Book SynopsisWhat do we know about how children actually play, especially American children of the last two centuries? This book presents a history of children's play in the United States and ponders what it tells us about ourselves. It provides a chronological history of play in the US from the point of view of children themselves.
Trade Review"The tension between how children spend their free time and how adults want them to spend it runs through Chudacoffs book like a yellow line smack down the middle of a highway. His critique is increasingly echoed today by parents, educators and childrens advocates who warn that organized activities, overscheduling and excessive amounts of homework are crowding out free time and constricting childrens imaginations and social skills." * The New York Times *
"At a time when childrens play seems under siege, Howard Chudacoffs historythe first of its kindarrives to tell us what we are letting slip away. . . . His history demonstrates that the topic of play is anything but trivial. And by showing us where weve been, he can help us decide where, as a culture, we want to go." * Wilson Quarterly *
"This book is a model work of synthesis and a truly enjoyable piece of scholarship." * American Historical Review *
"A fascinating and provocative survey. . . . Chudacoff builds up a scathing critique of modern parents’ intrusion in childrens play." * New York Times Book Review *
"In this wonderfully polished, scholarly treatment of children and play from Colonial times to the present, Chudacoff uses excellent historical methodology and perceptive psychological insights, putting primary sources to good use, as he presents an illustrated, chronological history of children at play from ages six to 12." * Library Journal *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsPreface Introduction 1 Childhood and Play in Early America, 1600-18002 The Attempt to Domesticate Childhood and Play, 1800-1850 3 The Stuff of Childhood, 1850-19004 The Invasion of Children's Play Culture, 1900-1950 5 The Golden Age of Unstructured Play, 1900-1950 6 The Commercialization and Co-optation of Children's Play, 1950 to the Present 7 Children's Play Goes Underground, 1950 to the Present ConclusionNotes Index About the Author
