John Newbery--father of children's literature

"The rise of Protestantism in the seventeenth century was responsible for a deep gloom in the scanty literature which was produced for children during that period. Children were given instruction concerning religion and preparedness for death. But then, as now, children appropriated adult books that interested them. It is pleasant to remember that children at this time found enjoyment in three books not intended for them: Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels, and Pilgrim's Progress. It was into this scene that John Newbery came--he who was destined to be called The Father of Children's Literature. Publisher and writer of about two hundred children's books, he was the first man to realize that children had no stories of their own and to attempt to remedy that deficiency. Newbery brought to children pleasure and happiness in books that had been almost entirely lacking before his time and his contribution marks a milestone in the development of a special literature for children. In the following chapters an attempt has been made to draw together information concerning the life, character, and works of this unusual man and to evaluate his contribution to children's literature"--Introduction.