THE CHILD’S BOOK: Amusement Renders Knowledge More Palatable with Russell Oke in conversation with Angela Hesson

Children’s books are now a regular part of most children’s lives, but before 1744 there were few books designed for children.

Oke will discuss the history and development of fourteen children’s book titles published between 1744–1844 including their authors, illustrators, publishers and production.

Russell Oke has a collection of over 5,500 books including a large section on history and children’s books. Oke has developed knowledge on books and their history over the years. He has researched books and their history for organisations, book dealers, individuals and deceased estates.

Angela Hesson is Assistant Curator at The Johnston Collection, and a former lecturer in Literary Studies at the University of Melbourne