Category:Aunt Judy's Annual Volume

Title: Aunt Judy’s Annual Volume

Editor: Margaret Gatty (1866-1874), Juliana Horatia Ewing (1875-1885)

Publisher: Bell and Daldy

Aunt Judy’s Magazine was a monthly publication for children. These monthly publications were then compiled into annual volumes called Aunt Judy's Annual Volume. The publication was read by both boys and girls, although it probably counted more girls among its readership. It was published by Bell and Daldy from 1866-1885. It included short stories, poems, songs, book reviews, proverbs, and monthly reports from Aunt Judy. The magazine was edited by Margaret Gatty and was named after her daughter, Juliana Horatia Ewing, who eventually edited the magazine herself. Both Margaret and Juliana contributed substantially to the magazine, as did Hans Christian Andersen and Lewis Carroll. The magazine was designed to both instruct and amuse. It was highly moralistic in tone. Mrs. Gatty’s intention was to “give in each number an emblem or allegorical picture typifying some moral truth.”^[1] Mrs. Gatty promised parents that they “need not fear an overflow of amusement” from the publication.^[2] Children would, however, find “facts and anecdotes, historical, biographical, or [items] otherwise deserving a niche in the brain temple of the young.”^[3] The 19-year survival of the magazine was due to the unflagging optimism of Mrs. Gatty and her daughters and the loyalty of Mr. Bell. The editors clearly were not interested in profit, because the magazine only made a profit during one of its 19 years in existence. Though the magazine was received with substantial enthusiasm amongst a select readership, it never gained wide popularity, probably because the publication was so narrow in audience appeal. The magazine was for children with a very good education who were interested in reading more serious pieces; it was not for those who were seeking light-weight entertainment. Furthermore, the many articles on science, history, philosophy and religion were, perhaps, simply too difficult for many children to read. The magazine did, however, have many distinguished children among its readers. In addition to its lofty moral aims, the magazine contributed to the Hospital Work Society throughout its existence. ^[4]

Notes

1. ↑ WD.
2. ↑ WD.
3. ↑ WD.
4. ↑ WD.

Submitted by: Jacquier, Sarah: section 1, Winter 2009