PREFACE
It is now nearly three quarters of a century since the appearance of the
first edition of McGuffey\'s Readers, compiled by Dr. William H.
McGuffey. Revisions have since been made from time to time as the
advancement in educational theories and the changes in methods of
teaching seemed to demand. No other school text- books have retained the
popular favor so long or have exerted so general and so wholesome an
influence as has this series of Readers.
In preparing the present revision the aim of thie compiler has been to
introduce such new matter and methods as the experience and judgment of
the best teachers have found most commendable and desirable. He has at
the same time endeavored to preserve those essential features which have
always distinguished the McGuffey Readers and have so largely
contributed to their success. While the majority of the selections are new
to the series, care has been taken to maintain the same high literary and
ethical standard that has hitherto so distinctly characterized these books.
Lessons inculcating kindness, courage, obedience, industry, thrift, true
manliness, patriotism, and other duties and obligations form no small
portion of the contents. Selections from the masterpieces of English
literature include both the older classical productions, without which no
school can be complete, and also choice extracts from many of the latest
and most popular writers.
The Elocutionary Introduction, by Professor F. Townsend Southwick,
presents in brief scope the most important rules for oral reading and those
principles of the art that are most necessary for the pupils to master. The
teacher should, at the very onset, become thoroughly familiar with the
subjects here presented, and the pupils should be referred to this
discussion of elocutionary principles as often as occasion may require.