Description
Book SynopsisFairy Tales, Natural History and Victorian Culture examines how literary fairy tales were informed by natural historical knowledge in the Victorian period, as well as how popular science books used fairies to explain natural history at a time when 'nature' became a much debated word.
Trade Review“A winner of the SAES/AFEA Research Prize, this rich and complex study brilliantly merges fairylands and scientific worlds. … proves a compelling read, and a fascinating and valuable introduction to fields as diverse as nineteenth century’s natural history, fantastic literature (not only for children) and Victorian culture at large.” (Mara Mattoscio, Rivista di Studi Vittoriani, Vol. 40, 2017)
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction 1. From The Wonders of Nature to the Wonders of Evolution: Charles Kingsley's Nursery Fairies 2. 'How Are You To Enter The Fairy-Land of Science?': The Wonders of The Natural World in Arabella Buckley's Popular Science Works For Children 3. The Mechanization of Feelings: Mary de Morgan's Toy Princess 4. Nature Under Glass: Victorian Cinderellas, Magic and Metamorphosis 5. Nature Exposed: Charting the Wild Body in Little Red Riding Hood 6. Nature and the Natural World in Mary Louisa Molesworth's Christmas-Tree Land 7. Edith Nesbit's Fairies and Freaks of Nature: Environmental Consciousness in Five Children and It Epilogue Index
