The English Spelling-Book (Cambridge Library Collection - Education) - Softcover

Mavor, William Fordyce

Softcover

ISBN 10: 110806695X ISBN 13: 9781108066952

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2013

Synopsis

Variously a teacher, clergyman and town mayor, William Fordyce Mavor (1758-1837) wrote prolifically on a range of literary, historical and educational topics. This work, first published in 1801 and reissued here in a corrected and improved edition of 1843, is Mavor's most famous. Intended to 'sow the seeds of useful learning', it is both a reading primer and a compendium of general knowledge. Beginning with the alphabet, with each letter illustrated by the delightful wood engravings of Thomas Bewick, the book presents vocabulary of increasing complexity together with simple and amusing stories for reading practice, as well as guidance on spelling and grammar. General knowledge is addressed through sections on such topics as weights and measures, geography, key dates in history, and the solar system. So successful was the work that it ran to 500 editions, had sold more than 2 million copies by 1823, and was translated into Hindi and French.

About this title

Book Description:

A clergyman and prolific author, William Fordyce Mavor (1758-1837) first published this hugely popular work in 1801. Reissued here is the corrected and improved 1843 edition. Intended to 'sow the seeds of useful learning', it is both a reading primer and a compendium of general knowledge.

About the Author:

William Fordyce Mavor, LL.D (1758-1837) was a renowned compiler of educational works. Born in Aberdeenshire, he became assistant in an Oxfordshire school and later taught at Woodstock, helping the Duke of Marlborough's children develop their reading and writing skills. He took holy orders in 1781 and was later granted the vicarage of Hurley, Berkshire, which he retained until his death. He also served at the rectory of Stonesfield and at Bladon-with-Woodstock. Mavor was appointed headmaster of Woodstock grammar school and in 1808 elected mayor of Woodstock; he served ten times. He was a successful compiler of educational books, many of which saw numerous editions and The English Spelling Book was especially popular.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 110806695X
• ISBN 13: 9781108066952
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 174