Children's Stories in American Literature, 1660-1860

"Children's Stories in American Literature, 1660-1860" by Henrietta Christian Wright is an examination of the historical bedrock of early American children's storytelling. Exploring the period from 1660 to 1860, the collection shines a light on the narratives that shaped young minds and American identity through literary works. The book starts with an account of missionary John Eliot sharing Bible stories with Indigenous children, highlighting the role of language and cultural exchange in early education, including the printing of the first Bible. The early literary landscape, enriched by figures like Captain John Smith, and others like Thomas Jefferson, lays the foundation for understanding how these early texts influenced subsequent generations and contributed to the shaping of American values.