This book traces the development of the tradition of fantastic fictions specifically written for children. Examining the work of Lewis Carroll, L. Frank Baum, C. S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, J. K. Rowling and others from across the English-speaking world. The book explores the changing views on the nature of the child and the appropriateness of fantasy for the child reader, the role of children's fantasy literature in helping to develop the imagination, and its complex interactions with issues of class, politics and gender.

About the author

Farah is an academic and writer of speculative fiction. She is one of the main voices in modern Fantasy criticism and produces a lot of work on children’s fantasy literature. Her approach to fantasy varies from her predecessors as she categorises fantasy by how the fantastic elements enter the story. Her books are a must read for any Science Fiction or Fantasy author as they may introduce you to different ways of expressing your ideas in the genres.