| W. T. HARRIS, LL. D., Superintendent of Schools, St. Louis, Mo. | A. J. RICKOFF, A. M., Superintendent of Instruction, Cleveland, O. | MARK BAILEY, A. M., Instructor in Elocution, Yale College. |
| Retail Prices. | |
| APPLETONS' FIRST READER | $0.25 |
| APPLETONS' SECOND READER | .40 |
| APPLETONS' THIRD READER | .52 |
| APPLETONS' FOURTH READER | .70 |
| APPLETONS' FIFTH READER | 1.25 |
CHIEF MERITS.
These Readers, while avoiding extremes and one-sided tendencies, combine into one harmonious whole the several results desirable to be attained in a series of school reading-books. These include good pictorial illustrations, a combination of the word and phonic methods, careful grading, drill on the peculiar combinations of letters that represent vowel-sounds, correct spelling, exercises well arranged for the pupil's preparation by himself (so that he shall learn the great lessons of self-help, self-dependence, the habit of application), exercises that develop a practical command of correct forms of expression, good literary taste, close critical power of thought, and ability to interpret the entire meaning of the language of others.
THE AUTHORS.
The high rank which the authors have attained in the educational field and their long and successful experience in practical school-work especially fit them for the preparation of text-books that will embody all the best elements of modern educative ideas. In the schools of St. Louis and Cleveland, over which two of them have long presided, the subject of reading has received more than usual attention, and with results that have established for them a wide reputation for superior elocutionary discipline and accomplishments. Feeling the need of a series of reading-books harmonizing in all respects with the modes of instruction growing out of their long tentative work, they have carefully prepared these volumes in the belief that the special features enumerated will commend them to practical teachers everywhere.
Of Professor Bailey, Instructor of Elocution in Yale College, it is needless to speak, for he is known throughout the Union as being without a peer in his profession. His methods make natural, not mechanical readers.
A SHORT HISTORY
OF