A History of Nursery Rhymes

"A History of Nursery Rhymes" by Percy B. Green is a historical exploration into the world of children's rhymes, examining how these simple verses have journeyed from prehistoric times to modern society. The book starts with the dawn of human communication, looking at ancient signs, sounds, and customs across different cultures in order to link primitive traditions, like clapping and early language, to current nursery games and rhymes. This connection sets the stage for understanding the lasting importance and changes that nursery rhymes have undergone throughout history, emphasizing their ongoing role in childhood and folklore development from antiquity to the late 19th century.