by John Boswell
First published 1990
John Boswell explores the historical treatment of abandoned children across different cultures and time periods. He traces how various societies have responded to child abandonment, from ancient civilizations through medieval Europe. The book examines the institutions, practices, and social attitudes that developed around foundlings and orphaned children. Boswell analyzes the complex motivations behind abandonment, including poverty, illegitimacy, and social pressures. He documents how communities created systems to care for these vulnerable children, from informal adoption networks to formal orphanages. The work reveals how religious institutions, particularly in medieval Christianity, shaped responses to child abandonment. Boswell challenges common assumptions about historical attitudes toward children and family bonds. His research draws on legal documents, church records, and literary sources to reconstruct these largely hidden histories. The book demonstrates how economic conditions, religious beliefs, and social structures influenced the fate of abandoned children throughout history.
Genres: biography, history, social-issues, non-fiction, adoption, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: hidden-histories, social-structures
Period: Ancient Civilizations, Medieval Europe
488 pages · Paperback · Vintage Books