Nuclear Age Literature for Youth: The Quest for a Life Affirming Ethic - Tapa blanda

The author offers an analysis of books for children and young adults which deal with fears of nuclear war and its aftermath. This study traces the movement in literature from the centuries-old mythology of war to a new mythology of peace. A new kind of hero has emerged in this genre - a "peace pilgrim" and a protector of the environment - who embodies a life-affirming ethic. This interpretation is developed through the analysis of children's books such as Dr. Seuss' "The Butter Battle Book" and "Nobody Wants a Nuclear War", and young adult and adult novels such as "Fail-Safe" and "Alas, Babylon!" The urgent message of many of these titles is that rejecting the mythology of war may be necessary for human survival. This work draws together concepts and research from many fields, including mythology, archetypal psychology, ethics, and ecology, which are not often brought to bear on analyses of children's literature. The author's discussion of the new and hopeful directions of this genre aims to help librarians and teachers to discuss this topic with children in positive, productive ways, avoiding the cynical attitudes which adults sometimes employ when discussing nuclear war among themselves. In addition, this work may interest students of ethics, sociology, future studies, peace studies, and related fields.