HoB_ABCs

Title The Favorite Alphabet for the Nursery

Brief description For each letter of the alphabet, this pictorial ABC book contains upper and lower case typography among a variety of corresponding objects with simple words below. Eight large 12 x 8 inch paper pages display sets of three letters printed in detail using chromolithography.

Full description This book has rather large pages, and is filled with a wide variety of objects to be associated with each letter of the alphabet. Most letters show a person, along with other items that start with the corresponding letter. The Favorite Alphabet for the Nursery was printed using chromolithographic printing, which resulted in finely detailed and colorful pictures. Although one cannot explicitly determine the sex of the child audience intended for this book, it is interesting to note the clear lack of female characters in this ABC book. The Favorite Alphabet for the Nursery serves as a classic presentation of the alphabet intended to introduce the letters along with an assortment of worldly objects.

Literacy Through an efficient use of page space, The Favorite Alphabet for the Nursery presents numerous corresponding objects for each letter of the alphabet, even hiding some partially behind several letters. This allows the young reader to connect the phonic pronunciation of the letters with simple words place below each frame and the paired images. Each letter takes center stage, and is presented in large text. This demonstrates that The Favorite Alphabet for the Nursery was intended for teaching young children the most basic element of reading--the alphabet. The colorful pages attract attention, and provide simple instruction by connecting the pronunciation of each letter to a variety of objects and beginner's words.

Childhood The Favorite Alphabet for the Nursery reflects childhood as a time of innocence, play, and leisure--a concept introduced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the 18th century romantic philosopher. The variety of toys and fantastical objects surrounding each letter allows the reader's mind to explore and imagine. The intricate detail of the images and the use of space in the book shows that it may not have been meant for practical and strict teaching, but rather as a tool to use together with the parent in a comfortable and fun setting. This reflects a childhood full of nurturing and quality family time.

Production The sophisticated layered printing technique used for The Favorite Alphabet for the Nursery demonstrates that the London publisher, Yates and Company, was most likely an advanced contributor to the children's literature market during the mid-nineteenth century. The detail and intricate coloring of the objects contained in each frame shows that the publisher was experienced in producing such books on a large scale. Considering the price of paper during the time of publication, combined with the color and detail found inside, the large size of the book--eight by twelve inches--may lead one to believe that The Favorite Alphabet for the Nursery was an expensive book, intended for a more affluent audience.