The Design of Childhood: How the Material World Shapes Independent Kids Paperback – Illustrated, 11 Jun. 2020

This is an absolutely fascinating read! Alexandra Lange is an elegant writer, and while her book is packed with information, it is also highly engaging and very readable. In chapters that focus on toys, schools, playgrounds, the home and the city, she traces the history of the stuff that shapes our kids' lives, and shows us how we got to the consumeristic excess that defines today's world. I came to the book less as a design person, and more as a parent wondering how material surroundings are shaping my daughter's experience of childhood. Lange gave me a deep appreciation and understanding of the central role design plays in the lives of kids (and adults!), and she made it very enjoyable and easy to digest. Highly recommend this book!!

Print too small n poor quality

A wonderful book packed with information and history. I was glad to learn what we had done right for our children and am looking forward to making some additions for the grandchildren. Every parent can learn something from this very well researched resource.

Good product, nice price

While this book is a fascinating read, I am left not knowing the "best" solutions for toys, home and school environments. It raises some interesting thoughts and is a valuable chronicle of the evolution of these aspects, but is unclear if it wants to direct action based on the experience of history. Some things were a bit difficult to follow and are loaded with names and references, and I often wished there were photos to show what she was describing. Without the photos, it was very hard to imagine what things looked like especially in the school section. I would recommend this book, but with reservations.

Came as described and before Xmas. I am pleased.