An error has occurred while processing this page. The site administrator has been notified. We apologize for the inconvenience.
297
(PRIMERS.) Ross, Robert. The New American Spelling Book; or, A Complete Primer: For the Instruction of Children, and New Beginners.
"FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF THE FREEBORN YOUTH OF AMERICA" (PRIMERS.) Ross, Robert. The New American Spelling Book; or, A Complete Primer: For the Instruction of Children, and New Beginners. 16mo, original boards, worn; title page partly detached with dampstaining and closed tear, lacks pages iii through vi of the preface, 2 pages of an unrelated contemporary hymnbook used as endpapers. New Haven, [1785]
-
Notes: first known primer issued by Robert Ross. Covers grammar and pronunciation at length, in addition to spelling. The postscript disparages the competing Dilworth spelling book as "very improper for the Instruction of the Freeborn Youth of America, since we have become an independent nation" (page 116). He also explains that his book has been written with German, French, and Irish immigrants in mind, and adds that "if the Indians and Negroes would employ their leisure Hours . . . in this Book, as many of them are not destitute of Genius, they might begin to read tolerably well in a short time" (119).
This imprint, "New-Haven: Printed and sold by Thomas & Samuel Green," not in Evans. Extremely scarce; only 2 copies in ESTC, at Yale and AAS. -
Condition: All items are offered for sale subject to Swann Galleries' standard terms and conditions of sale, which are published in our catalogues.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
June 5, 2008 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US
Swann Auction Galleries
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 0% and any applicable taxes and shipping.