Produced by Don Kostuch
McGUFFEY'S
McGuffey Editions and Colophon are Trademarks of
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New York-Chichester-Weinheim-Brisbane-Singapore-Toronto
Copyright, 1879, by VAN ANTWERP, BRAGG & CO.
Copyright, 1896, by AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY.
Copyright, 1907 and 1920, by H. H. VAIL.
M'G. REV 5TH EC.
EP 310
The plan of the revision of McGUFFEY'S FIFTH READER is the same as thatpursued in the other books of the REVISED SERIES. The book has beenconsiderably enlarged, but the new pieces have been added or substitutedonly after the most careful consideration, and where the advantages to bederived were assured.
It has been the object to obtain as wide a range of leading authors aspossible, to present the best specimens of style, to insure interest inthe subjects, to impart valuable information, and to exert a decided andhealthful moral influence. Thus the essential characteristics ofMcGUFFEY'S READERS have been carefully kept intact.
The preliminary exercises have been retained, and are amply sufficient fordrill in articulation, inflection, etc. The additional exercises on thesesubjects, formerly inserted between the lessons, have been omitted to makeroom for other valuable features of the REVISED SERIES.
A full understanding of the text is necessary in order to read itproperly. As all the books of reference required for this purpose are notwithin the reach of the majority of pupils, full explanatory notes havebeen given, which, it is believed, will add greatly not only to theinterest of the reading lessons, but also to their usefulness from aninstructive point of view.
The definitions of the more difficult words have been given, as formerly;and the pronunciation has been indicated by diacritical marks, inconformity with the preceding books of the REVISED SERIES.
Particular attention is invited to the notices of authors. Comparativelyfew pupils have the opportunity of making a separate study of English andAmerican literature, and the carefully prepared notices in the REVISEDSERIES are designed, therefore, to supply as much information in regard tothe leading authors as is possible in the necessarily limited spaceassigned. The publishers have desired to illustrate McGUFFEY'S READERS ina manner worthy of the text and of the high favor in which they are heldthroughout the United States. The most celebrated designers and engraversof the country have been employed for this purpose.
It has been the privilege of the publishers to submit the REVISIED SERIESto numerous eminent educators in all parts of the country. To the carefulreviews and criticisms of these gentlemen is due, in a large measure, thepresent form of McGUFFEY'S READERS. The value of these criticisms, comingfrom practical sources of the highest authority, can not well beoverestimated, and the publishers take this occasion to express theirthanks and their indebtedness to all who have thus kindly assisted them inthis work.
Especial acknowledgment is due to Messrs. Houghton, Osgood& Co. for their permission to make liberal selections from theircopyright editions of many of the foremost American authorswhose works they publish.