Login

Publications  •  Project Statistics

Glossary  •  Schools  •  Disciplines
People Search: 
   
Title/Abstract Search: 

Dissertation Information for Sharyl Gay Smith

NAME:
- Sharyl Gay Smith

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- Columbia University (USA) (1985)

ADVISORS:
- Susan Otis Thompson

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Richard L. Darling

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Maud and Miska Petersham : their work in American children's book publishing, 1920-1939

Abstract: In the flourishing of twentieth-century American children's book publishing, Maud and Miska Petersham were highly significant. Using documentary analysis, augmented by an extensive interview program, the author investigated (1) the relationship of biographical factors to the Petershams' work; (2) the reciprocal relationship of technology to the preparation and printing of their illustrations; (3) their sources from the world of art and design; (4) the representation of prevalent themes of contemporary children's books in the content of their titles; (5) the advertising, publicity, and promotion of their work; and (6) trends in the reviewing of the Petersham books.

This historical study reveals a duality in the role of Maud and Miska Petersham in the children's book world of the 1920s and 1930s. On the one hand, they were significant as representatives of the field in which they worked. Together they characterized the multi-ethnic group of illustrators of books for the young. Like other book artists, they adapted to printing conditions, economic restrictions, and changing technology. They drew from a range of design sources. Verbally and visually their books treated prevalent themes of current children's titles. In the advertising, publicity, and promotion of their work, they were involved in a host of new practices that publishers and booksellers felt necessary to meet competition. And the reviews of the Petersham books reflected changes in children's book reviewing between 1920 and 1939.

On the other hand, the Petershams' greatest significance lies in their role as innovators. In the creation of illustrations, they used a variety of techniques, perhaps more than any of their peers. They helped develop a new method of pre-separating art for illustrations and, thus, were instrumental in moving the printing of illustrated children's books from letterpress printing to offset lithography. Colorful, decorative page design and stylized folk art motifs became the Petershams' hallmark. Furthermore, they popularized informational picture books and helped introduce picture books with foreign settings. Thus, Maud and Miska Petersham were not only in the mainstream of American children's book publishing in the 1920s and 1930s, they were also creative and innovative leaders of the field.

MPACT Scores for Sharyl Gay Smith

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-04-07 21:08:36

Advisors and Advisees Graph

generating graph, please reload

Students under Sharyl Gay Smith

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None