In one of the first studies of its kind, Orphan Texts seeks to insert the orphan, and the problems its existence poses, in the larger critical areas of the family and childhood in Victorian culture. In doing so, Laura Peters considers certain canonical texts alongside lesser known works from popular culture in order to establish the context in which discourses of orphanhood operated.The study argues that the prevalence of the orphan figure can be explained by considering the family. The family and all it came to represent - legitimacy, race and national belonging - was in crisis. In order to reaffirm itself the family needed a scapegoat: it found one in the orphan figure. As one who embodied the loss of the family, the orphan figure came to represent a dangerous threat to the family; and the family reaffirmed itself through the expulsion of this threatening difference. Orphan Texts will be of interest to final year undergraduates, postgraduates, academics and those interested in the areas of Victorian literature, Victorian studies, postcolonial studies, history and popular culture.

'No words can express the secret agony of my soul'. Dickens's tantalising hint alluding to his time at Warren's Blacking Factory remains a gnomic statement until Forster's biography after Dickens's death. Such a revelation partly explains the dominance of biography in early Dickens criticism; Dickens's own childhood was understood to provide the material for his writing, particularly his representation of the child and childhood. Yet childhood in Dickens continues to generate a significant level of critical interest. This volume of essays traces the shifting importance given to childhood in Dickens criticism. The essays consider a range of subjects such as the Romantic child, the child and the family, and the child as a vehicle for social criticism, as well as current issues such as empire, race and difference, and death. Written by leading researchers and educators, this selection of previously published articles and book chapters is representative of key developments in this field. Given the perennial importance of the child in Dickens this volume is an indispensable reference work for Dickens specialists and aficionados alike.

'No words can express the secret agony of my soul'. Dickens's tantalising hint alluding to his time at Warren's Blacking Factory remains a gnomic statement until Forster's biography after Dickens's death. Such a revelation partly explains the dominance of biography in early Dickens criticism; Dickens's own childhood was understood to provide the material for his writing, particularly his representation of the child and childhood. Yet childhood in Dickens continues to generate a significant level of critical interest. This volume of essays traces the shifting importance given to childhood in Dickens criticism. The essays consider a range of subjects such as the Romantic child, the child and the family, and the child as a vehicle for social criticism, as well as current issues such as empire, race and difference, and death. Written by leading researchers and educators, this selection of previously published articles and book chapters is representative of key developments in this field. Given the perennial importance of the child in Dickens this volume is an indispensable reference work for Dickens specialists and aficionados alike.

Examines literary orphan figures and kinship structures in the nineteenth-century novel Examines a wide range of canonical and non-canonical authors from the UK, US, Canada, Switzerland Provides an important and unique contribution to fields of family and kinship studies Includes an international, contemporary, critically-informed collection of interesting approaches Offers an important intervention in the most cutting-edge work on children's literature and family and kinship studies Rereading Orphanhood: Texts, Inheritance, Kin explores the ways in which the figure of the literary orphan can be used to illuminate our understanding of the culture and mores of the long nineteenth century, especially those relating to family and kinship. The chapters in the book explore how orphan characters (both child and adult) contribute to discourses of gender, home, inheritance, illegitimacy, notions of the human and the development of the novel across a wide range of canonical and non-canonical texts.

The American Midwest is an ideal place to grow a huge variety of vegetables, and there are plenty of healthful and economic benefits to having your own garden. Whether you have a traditional backyard space or several containers on a high-rise balcony, you can grow a season-long supply of tasty produce. Best-selling garden writer Laura Peters provides all you need to know to dig in: * Basics such as light, soil, exposure and frost tolerance * Almost infinite garden styles, including raised beds and limited space gardening * Preparing the garden and selecting which vegetables to grow where * Recommended varieties, including new, traditional, heirloom and unusual selections * Seasonal care, including mulching, weeding and watering * Tips throughout, including how to extend the growing season and what to do with your harvest * Organic approaches to management of pests and diseases * An appendix featuring companion plants and relationships * Helpful hardiness maps, and delicious colour photos throughout.

Small enough to take to the garden center or nursery, this book contains all the gardening information you need to decide which plants to select and how to care for them in your regional garden

This handy guide for Kansa is packed with the best plants varities you'll want for your gardem: annuals, perennials, trees & shrubs, vines, roses, bulbs, ornamental grasses and herbs.

Includes: *herb garden design and basic planting info *detailed sectin on what to do with the herbs, including storing *basic recipes *recommended species, cultivars and varieties that grow best in your region *full color primary and garden phontos throughout *herb plant selection *covers MN/WI/IL/IN/MI/OH

From the very beginning of this endearing story we meet Little Kenzi, a girl who loves all kinds of things, but most especially Silly Sally, the doll that has been with Little Kenzi since the day she was born. When Little Kenzi meets Sara, a new girl at school, she is shocked to discover that Sara has never had a doll of her own. Wondering how it could be possible that a girl her age doesn't have a doll, Little Kenzi feels sad. What happens next will surprise and delight readers of all ages as Little Kenzi shows us the true meaning of friendship, kindness and generosity.

This handy guide is packed with the best plant varieities you'll want for your garden: annuals, perennials, trees & shrubs, vines, roses, bulbs, herbs and ornamental grasses. You get info on: habitat, height and spread plant features and flower colors onfo on soil, light and water tips on how to best use the plant in your garden recommended species for Iowa gardens

This full color book includes: *herb garden design and basic planting info *detailed section on what to do with the herbs, including storing *some basic recipes recommended species, cultivars and varities that work in your region * help in plant selection plus photos showing specific uses