The last thirty years have seen radical changes in children's literature. These changes are the culmination of a trend that began with John Newbery, the first publisher to make children's literature his sole business. The great children's authors of the 19th and early 20th century - Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Kenneth Grahame - all advanced the trend.
Since World War II, however, talent and energy have been poured into children's literature at an unprecedented rate. There are more people writing for children than ever before - people like Roald Dahl, Maurice Sendak, Dr. Seuss, E.B. White. Each of these authors is a Pied Piper who commands the complete attention o his readers.
In spite of this explosion of activity, little is known even about the most important children's authors. Who are they? Why do they write? How do they work? What are their backgrounds? It is not even outlandish to ask what they think of children.
The Pied Pipers answers most of these too-rarely asked questions. The book consists of interviews with many of today's most important children's writers and illustrators. It reveals exciting insights into children's literature, and the men and women who create it. (from: the dust-jacket)