Blocks seem like fixed points in a swirling world. The simple alphabet block inspired by 17th century philosopher John Locke, for instance, can still be found on toy shelves.

Every kid – and adult-- knows that in learning the alphabet song, you must conquer the lettered stumbling blocks of "LMNOP," or "Elemenopee," to those below age 5.

Learning the letters of the alphabet are the first steps to reading. It’s never too early for parents to start teaching the alphabet to their children. Most children between the ages of 3-4 can ...

Recommended for ages 4 and up, this set of alphabet blocks featuring the groovy folkloric drawings of Alexander Girard is a must for any self-respecting midcentury modernist fan -- with or without ...

Not long thereafter in 1820, the S.L. Hill Co. of Williamsburg, N.Y., took out a patent on wooden blocks embossed with the alphabet (commonly called “alphabet blocks”).