The purpose of this article is to analyse a number of children’s books by Ludmila Durdíková (1899–1955), a Czech teacher at the Institute for Disabled Children in Prague, one of Europe’s leading establishments in the field, and a collaborator with František Bakulà (1877–1936). These are viewed in relation to the history of education and the educational principles that underlie their texts are studied. Durdíková, who worked under the pseudonym Lida, can be considered one of the leading authors of picture books in France during the 1930s. She was part of the generation of writers and artists who emigrated from Central and Eastern Europe and Russia to France, especially Paris, whether for personal, artistic or political reasons, and spent the rest of their lives there. After a brief introduction, the article is divided into three sections. The first of these presents Durdíková’s biography. The second section analyses her two long stories about childhood disability, blindness and other physical and motor disabilities, which were inspired by her experiences as a teacher. The final section is dedicated to an analysis of the famous cycle of illustrated books known as The Novel of the Animals, which were published under the Père Castor imprint. Illustrated in an avant-garde style, the books contain short stories about animals. These are metaphors for a range of traditional and non-traditional family structures, all of which form the basis of positive relationships. The mutual respect and personal growth that are exemplified respect the natural inclinations of all family members.
Ludmila Durdíková, teacher and writer for children from Prague to Paris (1899–1955)
Dorena Caroli
2021
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to analyse a number of children’s books by Ludmila Durdíková (1899–1955), a Czech teacher at the Institute for Disabled Children in Prague, one of Europe’s leading establishments in the field, and a collaborator with František Bakulà (1877–1936). These are viewed in relation to the history of education and the educational principles that underlie their texts are studied. Durdíková, who worked under the pseudonym Lida, can be considered one of the leading authors of picture books in France during the 1930s. She was part of the generation of writers and artists who emigrated from Central and Eastern Europe and Russia to France, especially Paris, whether for personal, artistic or political reasons, and spent the rest of their lives there. After a brief introduction, the article is divided into three sections. The first of these presents Durdíková’s biography. The second section analyses her two long stories about childhood disability, blindness and other physical and motor disabilities, which were inspired by her experiences as a teacher. The final section is dedicated to an analysis of the famous cycle of illustrated books known as The Novel of the Animals, which were published under the Père Castor imprint. Illustrated in an avant-garde style, the books contain short stories about animals. These are metaphors for a range of traditional and non-traditional family structures, all of which form the basis of positive relationships. The mutual respect and personal growth that are exemplified respect the natural inclinations of all family members.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
