ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relationship of radical ideology, progressive education and children’s publishing through the lens of the life and career of Amabel Williams-Ellis. Williams-Ellis was a journalist, documentary maker, activist, novelist and prolific author of non-fiction for children. A keen proponent of progressive education, many of Williams-Ellis’ attitudes towards adult/child relations, and her conviction of the need to provide honest and engaging books to help prepare children for adult life, reflect the approach of her fellow bookwomen. The second section of the chapter focusses on archival material relating to the production of In and Out of Doors, a children’s activity book written and illustrated by Amabel Williams-Ellis and her children, with contributions from her husband, Clough Williams-Ellis.
