The Cult Of Childhood

Deborah Bowman presents four radio essays exploring the theme of childhood in the literary culture of the first half of the 20th century, particularly the 1920s and 30s.

1/4. An Age to Be Small In

An introductory essay surveying the interest of writers of this period in children, childishness, baby-talk and the childlike.

The interest of 20s and 30s writers in children, childishness, baby-talk and the childlike

Deborah Bowman continues her exploration of the theme of childhood in the literary culture of the first half of the 20th century.

2/4. Peter Pans and Pyjama Parties

This essay examines the influence of Freud and the invention of the notion of adolescence, showing how it found its way into literature from Colette to Evelyn Waugh.

The influence of Freud, the notion of adolescence and how it found its way into literature

Deborah Bowman continues her exploration of the theme of childhood in the literary culture of the first half of the 20th century.

3/4. Generation Gap

Deborah investigates the social psychology of the generation gap, a phrase first used by Rose Macaulay in an age worried about the idea that young people might 'rise up' and lay waste to older generations.

The social psychology of the generation gap, a phrase first used by Rose Macaulay.

Deborah Bowman concludes her exploration of the theme of childhood in the literary culture of the first half of the 20th century.

4/4. The Amazing True Story of the Flapper

Deborah argues that Flappers and other kinds of childlike posing were a way of criticising the adult world. Writers featured include Hilaire Belloc and Saki.

Deborah Bowman argues that Flappers and the like were a way of criticising the adult world