Current Developments at the Intersection of Fantasy Fiction and British Children's Literature

Abstract

The present study inquires into the current developments at the intersection of fantasy fiction and British children’s literature between 1990 and 2007. A survey of the historical development of children’s literature up to the 1980’s is followed by the research report. Not only is the situation of British as well as other English-speaking and non-English western European contemporary research in children’s literature and children’s literature criticism presented, but also the influential representatives and their various current approaches. On the basis of four main characteristics (magic, evil, violence and humour) traditional elements of British fantasy novels for children are analysed. A trend towards high-tech magic can be discerned, as well as the development of evil towards complexity and ambiguity. Graphic violence crosses borders and becomes a global affair, whilst humour serves as comic relief. Modern structures do not only encompass secondary worlds, but also the modern hero of British fantasy literature for children, their quest and their environment. Among other things formal innovations concern the question of a canon of children’s literature as well as the examination of phenomena such as allalderslitteratur, single versus dual address and crossover literature.