By the beginning of the eighteenth century in Britain, parents and teachers had begun to embrace wholeheartedly a suggestion from the philosopher John Locke (1632–1704) that “Learning might be made a Play and Recreation to Children.” The material culture of this period, and the subsequent generation, reveals a significant shift in thinking, as adults found fresh value in childhood and in play for its own sake. British publishers leapt at the chance to design books and games for both instruction and delight. This small display celebrates the recent gift of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century children’s games and books to the Center by Ellen and Arthur Liman, Yale JD 1957.
Featured works
The Circle of Knowledge, a New Game of the Wonders of Nature, Science & Art, London: Published by J. Passmore, ca. 1850
The Hare and the Tortoise: A New Game, London: Published by William Spooner, 1849
Crowned Heads, or, Contemporary Sovereigns, An Instructive Game, London: Published by David Ogilvy, ca. 1845
The Mirror of Truth, London: Published by John Wallis, 1848
Wallis's Tour of Europe, A New Geographical Pastime, London: Published by John Wallis, 1794
Credits
Instruction and Delight: Children’s Games from the Ellen and Arthur Liman Collection has been curated by Elisabeth Fairman, Chief Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts at the Center, with the assistance of Laura Callery, Senior Curatorial Assistant.