The work of little hands: handicraft instruction books in the collection of the Winterthur Library
Date
2005
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The Winterthur Library maintains a large collection of books illuminating the history of American craftsmanship. A section of this collection includes books dedicated to passing on traditions of crafts to children. First appearing in the late nineteenth century and steadily growing in popularity through the early twentieth century, handicraft books are recognized for providing basic ‘how to’ instruction for crafts, games, and other activities with the intention of entertaining children in their leisure hours. Despite the common acceptance of this simplistic role, turn of the century children's handicraft books were actually complex tools used to instill values during a critical turning point in American history. Using the Winterthur Library collection as material evidence, this thesis argues that children's handicraft books served to pass on the social and cultural ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement and prepared children for future roles in a consumer based society.