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The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, 3rd edition frontspiece and title page (1679), London. Its signifacant in revealing the purpose of the text to motivate a spiritual salvation through a fantastical narrative. -
A Little Pretty Pocket-Book by John Newberry
John Newberry. A Little Pretty Pocket-Book (1760). London. This page from a later publication, it was originally published in 1744, is one that reveals the double purpose of the book with a woodcutting that highlights the importance of reading and manners. -
Émile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Émile (1779). Engraving by Pierre Philippe Choffard. Originally published 1762. This engraving highlights the moral teachings that was central to Rousseau's notion of the child. -
Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
Carlo Collodi. Pinnochio (1883). Frontspiece. Originally published as a serial bewteen 1881-82, ths frontspiece captures the main character, establishing his distinct Italian habit as well as the fantastical notion that is the essence of the story. It reinforces the notion that this tale is one that remarks upon growing Italian sentiment. -
Swiss Family Robinson - Johann David Wyss
Johann David Wyss. The Swiss Family Robinson (1891). Illustration. Originally published in 1812, this illustration from a later edition captures the very essence of the novel's attempt to mix adventure with lessons. Building up a fort in which to live, the family displays an effort to tame nature, create a sense of civilization. -
Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kastner
Erich Kastner. Emil and the Detectives (1929). Illustration done by Walter Trier. This illustration relates Emil's own criminal inclination after defacing a monument, serving as a motivating factor in his decision to pursue justice on his own. The realistic setting of the story and the moral ambiguity is a unique feature of the novel.
