The treasures of childhood: books, toys and games from the Opie collection

by Iona Opie, Brian Alderson, Robert Opie

Reprint of the 1989 first edition. Peter and Iona Opie collected children's books from the 18th to the 20th century, along with toys and games. The books are now in the Bodleian Library. Over half of this book deals with children's chapbooks, moral tracts, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, classics, picture books, comics, and more, with an account of the collection and of the development of children's publishing. Following this are a section on toys and games, a bibliography including the Opies' own publications in the field and an index. Well illustrated. 190, 2 pages. stiff paper wrappers.. 4to..

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Iona Margaret Balfour Archibald was born in Colchester, Essex, England. She was a researcher and writer on folklore and children's street culture. She is considered an authority on children's rhymes, street and playground games and the Mother Goose tradition. She was elected a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA) in 1998 and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999.

The couple met during World War II and married on 2 September 1943. The couple worked together closely, from their home near Farnham, Surrey, conducting primary fieldwork, library research, and interviews of thousands of children. In pursuing the folklore of contemporary childhood they directly recorded rhymes and games in real time as they were being sung, chanted, or played. Working from their home in Alton, Hampshire they collaborated on several celebrated books and produced over 30 works. The couple were jointly awarded the Coote Lake Medal in 1960. The medal is awarded by The Folklore Society "for outstanding research and scholarship".

Speaking in 2010, Iona speaks of working with her husband as being "like two of us in a very small boat and each had an oar and we were trying to row across the Atlantic." and that "[W]e would never discuss ideas verbally except very late at night."

Iona Opie died in 2017.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided a fascinating walk down memory lane.

[Simon Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book bringing back childhood memories of familiar nursery rhymes and stories.
Of course the comics such as The Beano and The Dandy.
The toys and games also bought back memories. The iconic Chopper bicycle of the 70's I recall being the must have toy!
However I'm surprised there was no mention of Meccanno which was one of my main toys and a great educational tool. As far as I know it dates back to the early 20th century.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am endlessly fascinated with these folks! What a collection of books, toys, games from the early 1900s and more.