The Works of Charles Lamb: Poetry for children, by Charles & Mary Lamb

Poetry for Children was originally published in 1809 as a two-volume collection by Charles and Mary Lamb. Commissioned by the publisher William Godwin, the work was intended to provide moral and instructive verse for the youth of the Regency era. The project emerged from the siblings' desire to create literature that avoided the overly didactic tone common in children’s books of the time, opting instead for a blend of gentle wisdom and domestic observation.

The authorship remained somewhat elusive for years, as the poems were not signed, leading scholars to rely on letters and personal accounts to distinguish the contributions of Charles from those of his sister Mary. While the collection saw limited success during its initial release, it was eventually rediscovered in the late 19th century, cementing its place in the canon of English children's literature as a significant collaboration that balanced Charles's intellectual whimsy with Mary's compassionate understanding of childhood.