World of the Children

Encyclopaedia

This is one of four volumes of the encyclopaedia Malcolm was given by his parents on his 8th birthday. It was first published by Caxton in September 1948 and reprinted in August 1951. It was bought from a doorstep salesman and paid for in several instalments. Malcolm read it many times from cover to cover and his mother was once heard complaining to her sister that “ he does nothing but read that book!”. It still resides in Malcolm’s bookcase alongside another set presented to him by his grandfather. Some parts of it are quaintly dated by the standards of the 21st century. An example from the educational story that gets nearest to explaining the birds and bees but fails to get anywhere near the main issue…

“Boys have a better time than girls.” Marjorie answered slowly. “Don’t you believe it!” Mummy laughed. “A girl often gets everything she wants, just by having a pretty face. A boy has to work and fight if he is to have the things a man must have.” “That isn’t fair.” went on Marjorie. “Oh yes it all evens out nicely,” said Mother; “the big strong man enjoys being a big strong man, and the pretty girl who has won a husband and a home and lots of babies finds that there is plenty of work to do to keep all her treasures sweet and nice.”

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