Children at Play - by Howard P Chudacoff (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A chronological history of children's playtime over the last 200 years

If you believe the experts, "child's play"; is serious business. From sociologists to psychologists and from anthropologists to social critics, writers have produced mountains of books about the meaning and importance of play. But what do we know about how children actually play, especially American children of the last two centuries? In this fascinating and enlightening book, Howard Chudacoff presents a history of children's play in the United States and ponders what it tells us about ourselves.

Through expert investigation in primary sources-including dozens of children's diaries, hundreds of autobiographical recollections of adults, and a wealth of child--rearing manuals--along with wide--ranging reading of the work of educators, journalists, market researchers, and scholars-Chudacoff digs into the "underground" of play. He contrasts the activities that genuinely occupied children's time with what adults thought children should be doing.

Filled with intriguing stories and revelatory insights, Children at Play provides a chronological history of play in the U.S. from the point of view of children themselves. Focusing on youngsters between the ages of about six and twelve, this is history "from the bottom up." It highlights the transformations of play that have occurred over the last 200 years, paying attention not only to the activities of the cultural elite but to those of working-class men and women, to slaves, and to Native Americans. In addition, the author considers the findings, observations, and theories of numerous social scientists along with those of fellow historians.

Chudacoff concludes that children's ability to play independently has attenuated over time and that in our modern era this diminution has frequently had unfortunate consequences. By examining the activities of young people whom marketers today call "tweens," he provides fresh historical depth to current discussions about topics like childhood obesity, delinquency, learning disability, and the many ways that children spend their time when adults aren't looking.

Review Quotes

"A fascinating and provocative survey. . . . Chudacoff builds up a scathing critique of modern parents' intrusion in childrens play."-- "New York Times Book Review"

"At a time when childrens play seems under siege, Howard Chudacoffs historythe first of its kindarrives to tell us what we are letting slip away. . . . His history demonstrates that the topic of play is anything but trivial. And by showing us where weve been, he can help us decide where, as a culture, we want to go."-- "Wilson Quarterly"

"In this wonderfully polished, scholarly treatment of children and play from Colonial times to the present, Chudacoff uses excellent historical methodology and perceptive psychological insights, putting primary sources to good use, as he presents an illustrated, chronological history of children at play from ages six to 12."-- "Library Journal"

"The tension between how children spend their free time and how adults want them to spend it runs through Chudacoffs book like a yellow line smack down the middle of a highway. His critique is increasingly echoed today by parents, educators and childrens advocates who warn that organized activities, overscheduling and excessive amounts of homework are crowding out free time and constricting childrens imaginations and social skills."-- "The New York Times"

"This book is a model work of synthesis and a truly enjoyable piece of scholarship."-- "American Historical Review"