Cobwebs to Catch Flies
Page from an early edition
Author: Ellenor Fenn
Published: 1784
Publisher: John Marshall
Summary: essentially a series of conversations between children about a variety of subjects (toys, games, pets, etc).
Importance: following in the footsteps of Lessons for Children (1778-1779), Cobwebs was also a graduated reader (volume one was intended for 3-5 year olds, and volume two was intended for 5-8 year olds). It also was notable for focusing on the dialogue and experiences of children, and for emphasizing the use of illustrations, toys, and entertainment to encourage learning. Cobwebs was John Marshall's most profitable book and was constantly being reprinted, often at the cost of quality.
Online (select pages): http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/results.php?CISOOP1=exact&CISOFIELD1=creato&CISOROOT=/childrens&CISOBOX1=Lovechild%2C+Mrs.+
+Lady+Eleanor+Frere+Fenn+%2C+1743-1813
Published: 1784
Publisher: John Marshall
Summary: essentially a series of conversations between children about a variety of subjects (toys, games, pets, etc).
Importance: following in the footsteps of Lessons for Children (1778-1779), Cobwebs was also a graduated reader (volume one was intended for 3-5 year olds, and volume two was intended for 5-8 year olds). It also was notable for focusing on the dialogue and experiences of children, and for emphasizing the use of illustrations, toys, and entertainment to encourage learning. Cobwebs was John Marshall's most profitable book and was constantly being reprinted, often at the cost of quality.
Online (select pages): http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/results.php?CISOOP1=exact&CISOFIELD1=creato&CISOROOT=/childrens&CISOBOX1=Lovechild%2C+Mrs.+
+Lady+Eleanor+Frere+Fenn+%2C+1743-1813