The New England Primer was the single most influential Christian textbook in history. Many scholars agree that most, if not all, of the Founding Fathers were taught to read and write using this volume, which is still unsurpassed for its excellence in practical training and Christian worldview. First published in 1690, the goal of the Primer was to combine the study of the Bible with the alphabet, vocabulary, and the reading of prose and poetry. This is the book that introduced the children's prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep," and which made the "Shorter Catechism" a staple of education for American children. More than five million copies were sold in the nineteenth century alone.
Methodologically, this is still an excellent book. However, this version is a facsimile of the original and its antiquidated type-set makes it difficult to understand by modern-day students. As a handsome show-piece, we enthusiastically recommend this version, but if you want a copy for actual use, see the edited version by Back Home Industries.
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