Parables from Nature. First and Second Series

Parables from Nature – is a book which was published in 1875 and written by Margaret Gatty, an English children’s author as well as writer on marine biology of Victorian Era. Although many view Margaret Gatty's interests in literature and science as independent, she used a combination of children's literature and scientific curiosity as an argument against Charles Darwin's Origin of Species. In Parables from Nature, Gatty was primarily able to preach to children the way they liked, while simultaneously dealing with God and nature. This book coincided with evolutionary theories, so her writing influenced children's attitudes towards science. Typically, these Parables had a strong moral tone and often used religion and God to influence the upbringing of Victorian children. Victorian children's literature at that time was created to teach children lessons and mores, not to attract their attention. Due to the fact that Gatty in his books increasingly used illustrations, folk tales and fairy tales, children liked to read her more.