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McGuffey's Primer #4
McGuffey's Eclectic Fourth Reader
Made up of beautiful and chaste selections from prose and poetry of the whole forming a progressive series (of excellent moral tendency) peculiarly adapted to the purpose of instruction.
Introduces some of the greatest English authors: Webster, Jefferson, Shakespeare, Johnson, Schiller and others. Students will read of Napoleon and Wilberforce, of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. They will ponder death, good and evil, the Bible, eternity, duty and God.
Introduces some of the greatest English authors: Webster, Jefferson, Shakespeare, Johnson, Schiller and others. Students will read of Napoleon and Wilberforce, of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. They will ponder death, good and evil, the Bible, eternity, duty and God.
422 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1838
About the author
William Holmes McGuffey
303 books17 followersWilliam Holmes McGuffey (September 23, 1800 – May 4, 1873) was an American professor and college president who is best known for writing the McGuffey Readers, one of the nation's first and most widely used series of textbooks. It is estimated that at least 122 million copies of McGuffey Readers were sold between 1836 and 1960, placing its sales in a category with the Bible and Webster's Dictionary.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 6, 2021
Where do I start with McGuffy Reader Third? It was the first of these I've read and it was amazing.
My first impression is the strong sense of the historical time period. The primer is pure 19th century. They assume the children can handle a formidable vocabulary, detailed grammar and pronunciation instructions. Of course, these were to be read with the teacher's assistance.
My second impression is the balance between poetry and prose. The books are structured with stories and poems of increasing difficulty throughout the year. I studied little poetry in my 3rd grade in 1965. It seems to have fallen out of favor in the 20th century.
My third impression is the prevalence of the natural world. Birds, dogs, cats, cows horses, all feature prominently in the little book. Flowers are mentioned many times. In every case the children are assumed to be familiar with all of them. In the 19th century, I'm sure that was generally true.
My last impression is the strong sense of Christian morality. Christianity of the students is assumed and Christian morals are taught from the beginning to the end.
That should be enough for you to decide if you want to use these readers for your own children or school district.
My first impression is the strong sense of the historical time period. The primer is pure 19th century. They assume the children can handle a formidable vocabulary, detailed grammar and pronunciation instructions. Of course, these were to be read with the teacher's assistance.
My second impression is the balance between poetry and prose. The books are structured with stories and poems of increasing difficulty throughout the year. I studied little poetry in my 3rd grade in 1965. It seems to have fallen out of favor in the 20th century.
My third impression is the prevalence of the natural world. Birds, dogs, cats, cows horses, all feature prominently in the little book. Flowers are mentioned many times. In every case the children are assumed to be familiar with all of them. In the 19th century, I'm sure that was generally true.
My last impression is the strong sense of Christian morality. Christianity of the students is assumed and Christian morals are taught from the beginning to the end.
That should be enough for you to decide if you want to use these readers for your own children or school district.
December 10, 2016
McGuffey's 1879 "Fourth Eclectic Reader" was revised three times over a 31 year period ending in 1920. The book was a significant text book for my great grandparents and their children. The reader teaches phonetics, grammar, and life lessons through beautiful fictional stories and poetry. These readings are sophisticated and powerful reminders of the values that underpin my upbringing and family life with my grandparents, parents and siblings. It was a joy to read.
September 15, 2011
I love this book because it teaches such good, pure morals. And the stories are just so fun and innocent unlike a lot of books today. The poems are beautiful and have inspired me to write my own poem. The stories are fun and keep my attention which makes me want to read more!
I enjoy reading this very much!
I enjoy reading this very much!
September 22, 2010
Some really good stuff in here.
January 1, 2015
Memories of my Grandfather
This is a book that my Grandfather often quoted from. It was a book he had when he was in school in the 1890's in Kentucky.
This is a book that my Grandfather often quoted from. It was a book he had when he was in school in the 1890's in Kentucky.
February 17, 2019
Third time finished! These books are my favorite reader books for teaching kids to be strong readers and to build vocabulary. The stories are wholesome and virtuous. A great treat to read!
June 30, 2019
A classic tool.
August 16, 2019
Crusty Hellfire
D:
D:
January 18, 2023
Astounding that students in the proverbial 19th century schoolhouses read these books full of complex vocabulary and complex ideas.
The 4th reader does not mean 4th grade. Instead this would be grades 9-12. Public school students today, and most college students, would not comprehend this book.
The 4th reader does not mean 4th grade. Instead this would be grades 9-12. Public school students today, and most college students, would not comprehend this book.
January 25, 2010
"Shannon Houghton, 9 years old. Greenfield Village, March 27, 1993. Girl Scout Overnighter."
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews