A handbook on manners for children is a handbook written by Erasmus of Rotterdam, and is considered to be the first treatise in Western Europe on the moral and practical education of children.^[1] First published in 1530, under the title De civilitete morum puerilium,^[2] it was addressed to the eleven year old Henry of Burgundy, son of Adolph, Prince of Veere, and gives instructions, in simple Latin, on how a boy should conduct himself in the company of adults.^[2] The book achieved immediate success and was translated into many languages.^[3] The first English version, by Robert Whittinton (or Whittington) was published in 1532, under the title of A Little Book of Good Manners for Children. Another translation by Thomas Paynell was issued in 1560.^[1]

The book is divided into seventeen sections, each dealing with an aspect of behaviour.^[3]

Quote

"Young bodies are like tender plants, which grow and become hardened to whatever shape you've trained them".

References

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