Byron Perrine

The Public School Curriculum That Made America Great Byron Perrine

The stated aims of the Sanders series readers was not simply the teaching of reading, but in addition "to provide such lofty models of style, sentiment, of tone, and tendency, as cannot fail to exercise an ennobling, elevating influence over the impressionable nature of youth" (Preface to Sanders High School Reader, 1863) . Of the many editions and revisions of the Sanders' readers published between 1840 and 1890, The School Reader, Fifth Book, by Charles and Joshua Sanders, 1848, stands as the noblest. This particular edition excels in the abundance of its inspiring patriotic, historical and poetic selections. Many of the selections are primary-source documents written by notable Americans in praise of their values, their ideals, their faith, and the wisdom they had gained through life-experiences. The "best of the best" from The School Reader, Fifth Book, are presented here in The Public School Curriculum that Made America Great, and will, no doubt, be of interest, and provide inspiration to readers of every age.