"Series books" have been controversial from the beginning. But before going on, we need to clarify what we mean by the term. Anita Silvey offers a helpful distinction--"Perhaps the books should be termed "formula series" to distinguish them from literary works that also follow a continuing character through several volumes. Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series and Beverly Cleary's Ramona books have three-dimensional characterizations, thought-provoking themes, and high-quality writing that sets them far above the series label. [This kind of] literary series is guided by an artistic vision, while the formula series seems to be driven by commercial considerations. Quantity, rather than quality, is the key for most formula series." Anita Silvey, The Essential Guide to Children's Books and their Creators. p. 407
To the worthy "literary" series list, we would add Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising (all fantasy).
What series would you add to this list?
1 comment:
Do two books count as a series? I'd add George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie and Anne of Green Gables.
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