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LAURIE'S SERIES

OF

FIRST-CLASS READERS.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES.

THE purpose of the First Class Readers is to present, in a succinct and readable form, a connected series of sketches of the more prominent subjects of English Literature. These are, for example, the English Constitution, Political Economy, Descriptive Travel, History, and Physical Science. Such branches of writing are generally treated either in elaborate works or in short compendiums. The former are, of course, unfit, on account of their price and bulk, for ordinary educational purposes: while the latter, being constructed on the joint principle of brevity and exhaustiveness, are necessarily uninteresting and altogether unfit for Reading Lessons. With these restrictions, indeed, the matter cannot but be dry, and as such, is read, if read at all, in an indifferent and perfunctory manner. Unless the teacher or the student possess a rare enthusiasm, the result may fairly be rated at less than nothing. At all events, it is certain that technical abridgments are not calculated to allure the novice to the exercise of voluntary effort.

The way in which infants first obtain an insight into the domain of general knowledge, furnishes a sure guide to the method of more advanced instruction on special subjects. It is only by means of pictures, simply and pointedly drawn, not overloaded with detail, and free from obstruse difficulties, that the reader can be interested, and consequently incited to prosecute a study. On this principle the present series of Advanced Reading Books is framed ; and whether they be used alternately with others, as text-books to be amplified by the teacher, or as works for general reading, it is hoped that they will be found to contain a clear and concise exposition of the salient points of their respective subjects.

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"Those who have most elevation of mind, have generally the kindest hearts.
To such, the anticipation of the happy influence which a better knowledge of the
true principles of Political Economy is destined to exert on Society, will be a
source of pleasure."-JEAN B. SAY.

ODLE

LONDON:

THOS. MURBY, 32, BOUVERIE-STREET, FLEET-STREET, E.C.

AND SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, & CO., E.C.

1864.

232.9.21

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