In the SIXTH READER, the general plan of the revision of McGUFFEY'S SERIES
has been carefully carried out to completion.
That plan has been to retain, throughout, those characteristic features of
McGUFFEY'S READERS, which have made the series so popular, and caused
their widespread use throughout the schools of the country. At the same
time, the books have been enlarged; old pieces have been exchanged for new
wherever the advantage was manifest; and several new features have been
incorporated, which it is thought will add largely to the value of the
series.
In the revision of the SIXTH READER, the introductory matter has been
retained with but little change, and it will he found very valuable for
elocutionary drill. In the preparation of this portion of the work, free
use was made of the writings of standard authors upon Elocution, such as
Walker, McCulloch, Sheridan Knowles, Ewing, Pinnock, Scott, Bell, Graham,
Mylins, Wood, Rush, and many others.
In making up the Selections for Reading, great care and deliberation have
been exercised. The best pieces of the old book are retained in the
REVISED SIXTH, and to the these been added a long list of selections from
the best English and American literature. Upwards of one hundred leading
authors are represented (see "Alphabetical List. of Authors," page ix),
and thus a wide range of specimens of the best style has been secured.
Close scrutiny revealed the fact that many popular selections common to
several series of Readers, had been largely adapted, but in McGUFFEY'S
REVISED READERS, wherever it was possible to do so, the selections have
been compared, and made to conform strictly with the originals as they
appear in the latest editions authorized by the several writers.
The character of the selections, aside from their elocutionary value, has
also been duly considered. It will be found, upon examination, that they
present the same instructive merit and healthful moral tone which gave the
preceding edition its high reputation.
Two new features of the REVISED SIXTH deserve especial attention--the
explanatory notes, and the biographical notices of authors. The first, in
the absence of a large number of books of reference, are absolutely
necessary, in some cases, for the intelligent reading of the piece; and it
is believed that in all cases they will add largely to the interest and
usefulness of the lessons.
The biographical notices, if properly used, are hardly of less value than
the lessons themselves. They have been carefully prepared, and are
intended not only to add to the interest of the pieces, but to supply
information usually obtained only by the separate study of English and
American literature.
The illustrations of the REVISED SIXTH READER are presented as specimens
of fine art. They are the work of the best artists and engravers that
could be secured for the purpose in this country. The names of these
gentlemen may be found on page ten.
The publishers would here repeat their acknowledgments to the numerous
friends and critics who have kindly assisted in the work of revision, and
would mention particularly President EDWIN C. HEWETT, of the State Normal
University, Normal, Illinois, and the HON. THOMAS W. HARVEY, of
Painesville, Ohio, who have had the revision of the SIXTH READER under
their direct advice.
Especial acknowledgment is due to Messrs. Houghton, Osgood & Co., for
their permission to make liberal selections from their copyright editions
of many of the foremost American authors whose works they publish.
January, 1880.