Forgotten Books of the American Nursery: A History of the Development of the American Story-Book

"Forgotten Books of the American Nursery" by Rosalie Vrylina Halsey is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the development of American children's literature from colonial times through the early days of the Republic. Halsey examines how children's books evolved, noting that while many of the early texts are now considered unattractive, they offer valuable insights into childhood experiences and societal values of their time. The opening of the work discusses the distinct characteristics of children's literature during the colonial period and the early years of America. Halsey reflects on the oddity of early children's books, such as chapbooks and toy-books, which were often deeply moralistic and religious in nature. She delves into the cultural and social context that shaped children's literature, highlighting the influence of Puritan values and the significance of catechisms in childhood education. The author emphasizes that these early texts, despite their perceived shortcomings, provide essential sketches of child-life in a bygone era and serve as markers of the evolution of literature designed for young audiences.