Elson Grammar School Literature, book 4

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

6963

Title

Elson Grammar School Literature, book 4

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A curated anthology of classic American and British literature designed for grammar school students. Featuring famous rides, nature poetry, Shakespearean excerpts, biographies of great authors, and patriotic orations, this collection emphasizes literary artistry, rhythmic beauty, and enduring themes of peace and liberty.

Summary up to 500 words

Elson Grammar School Literature, Book Four, authored by William H. Elson and Christine M. Keck, serves as a curated anthology designed to cultivate a profound love for literature among young readers. Published in 1912, this volume organizes masterpieces into three distinct parts that explore diverse themes of action, nature, patriotism, and human emotion. Part I opens with thrilling narratives of famous rides, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 'Paul Revere's Ride' and Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'The Charge of the Light Brigade,' which aim to instill patriotic devotion. This section transitions into rhythmic studies and nature poetry featuring works by William Cullen Bryant, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Sidney Lanier, and Edgar Allan Poe. The volume also presents profound Shakespearean selections, such as Hamlet's soliloquy and Polonius's advice, alongside biographical sketches that humanize these literary giants. Part II focuses exclusively on the great American authors, offering tales like Washington Irving's 'Rip Van Winkle,' Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Great Stone Face,' and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 'Evangeline.' These stories are paired with biographies of authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and John Greenleaf Whittier, providing students with the personal context necessary to fully appreciate their writings. Part III is dedicated to patriotic orations and speeches advocating for peace, justice, and national unity. Key selections include Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, George Washington's Farewell Address, and Henry Clay's powerful argument against war in 'The Evils of War.' Beyond the texts themselves, the book functions as a pedagogical guide. It includes a comprehensive glossary to aid vocabulary development and encourages students to analyze literary artistry, including imagery, figures of speech, and shades of meaning. The authors emphasize that while the selections reinforce lessons in history and geography, the primary goal is to teach children how to interpret literature for sheer pleasure. By studying well-chosen masterpieces, students develop discriminating taste and the ability to enjoy reading independently. Ultimately, this volume aims not merely to provide reading material but to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of thought and expression, enabling pupils to become discerning readers capable of finding joy in literary treasures.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6963.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg6963.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-08-20 14:40 UTC

Categories

• Readers