Maria Graham's Little Arthur's History of England (1835) and the female historian's place in early nineteenth century Britain

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recent research demonstrates widespread female contributions both as consumers and as producers of history-writing. Although it is barely studied, much of female historians’ material is composed of history books for children and youth. This article highlights the maternal voice and patriotism as fundamental pedagogical strategies in Maria Graham's Little Arthur's History of England (1835). In the nineteenth century, women were considered the best educators for children because of the belief that motherhood was innate to them. Thus, maternity served as an affirmation for many women authors in the literary world. This article argues that patriotism is a key aspect of Graham's history writing, extending the duties of educational history beyond the teaching of private virtues. This article provides new insights in the discussion of women's contributions to national history-writing in order to enrich our awareness about the possibilities and limits of the female discursive presence in early nineteenth century Britain.