Pipers at the Gates of Dawn: The Wisdom of Children's Literature

by Jonathan Cott

Essay-interviews with six outstanding, contemporary creators of and experts on children's literature reveal the necessity of children's literature in our lives and that literature is communication of our deepest feelings and beliefs

Genres: Nonfiction

327 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Michael Kucharski · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the last two monthsw or so, I have been rereading authors/books in my library: Cook, Lieber, and Vonnegut. The one exception has been Pipers at the Gates of Dawn. A non-fiction book made up of biographical studies and sketches of the giants of children's literature. Interesting, ocassionally amusing and frequently insightful but a bit too dry, bit too academic. However, if you want to know the story behind what are likely your favorite childhood books, I wouls recommend it.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is highly thought-provoking and provides a rare and intimate look into some of the giants in the world of children's culture. With strong literary and philosophical sensibilities, each of the interviewees provided not only a glimpse into their work and creative process, but into their worldview and how children fit into that worldview. It is a book well worth reading.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the introduction: "Pipers at the Gates of Dawn consists of my reflections about and encounters with six extraordinary creators of children's literature, and with a man and woman who, together, have studied in depth not only the roots and blossomings of this literature but also the lore, games and language of the 'savage tribe' [yikes.] of schoolchildren."

This book feels its age.

[Emma Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two chapters brilliant, on the Opies and their research and books into children' games and rhymes, and on Maurice Sendak and his visionary illustrations and books. Given 5 stars for those chapters alone.