Customer Reviews

The McGuffey Readers: Selections from the 1879 Edition (The Bedford Series in History and Culture)

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This fine little reader was definitely 1879 with the values of the educated, hard-working Protestant class of people. William Holmes McGuffey was rightfully called America's Schoolmaster, and his learning guides could be found in the majority of American classrooms. He was a somber, stern, serious fellow who reflected the early lessons of childhood, the importance of education, the value of family and hard work, good character, and the avoidance of vices. There were also good lessons on history and literature, with a strong emphasis on Christianity. It was an excellent book for its time, and I'm sure that many a young person left school with a strong sense of virtues and values. This is very historical (where we came from)tome, and many of the lessons would be much appreciated and needed in our Century.

Great book, interesting perspectives, and ultimately a sociological analysis of bourgeois protestantism. This popular book was well received in the 19th century because it pandered to the ruling ideology. However, it also subtly reveals the flaws of non-secular education. I recommend this book to everyone.