As a child develops toward maturity his talents begin to focus and his
interests to direct themselves toward some special life occupation. The
matter of Vocational Guidance is the most vital thing in education
to-day, but wisdom in this field is far to seek. Changes in the
industrial world are so rapid that books giving mere statistics of
salaries and requirements are soon out of date, and they have no appeal
to the young. Motive, rather than immediate gain, is what affects young
people; and the Editors of The BOOKSHELF have felt that the one wise way
to approach this great question is to describe the important activities
of the world and some of the men who have been occupied in them, that
young readers may be able to make an intelligent choice, and at the same
time discover their own special talents. This section of The BOOKSHELF
is known as "Marvels of Industry." Aside from its value as a vocational
guide, this volume will add much to the enjoyment of the family circle
because of the facts that are gleaned from a perusal of its pages.
In "True Stories from Every Land" the little folks made the acquaintance
of the world's children. It is now time for the older young folk to
travel. In "Every Land and Its Story" we take a journey around the
world, beginning in North America, covering the rest of the New World,
and then going to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the islands of
the sea. The greatest emphasis is laid upon the lands that we love the
most. In the United States the eight great natural divisions are
described, then the Indians, the National Parks, Alaska, and Porto
Rico. The greatest cities are visited in turn, the characteristics of
each being picturesquely described. Canada is visited in the same way.
In each case the country is described by a competent, interesting
traveler, in many instances by one who has lived there a long time, and
in some cases by a famous writer. Carefully chosen photographs
illustrate this department.
Carlyle was right, at least as far as young people are concerned, when
he insisted that history is only biography. The character-making
influence of great lives has never been denied, and ought never to be
neglected. "Famous Men and Women" begins with the men who made the
United States and Canada. It tells about some of the living Men Who
Count to-day. A simple graphic history of the greatest event in history,
the World War of 1914-1918, is given. Then comes a glorious pageant of
Scientists and Inventors, Writers and Rulers, National Heroes, and
Servants of the Common Good. This material will not only form an
excellent supplemental reading book, but a valued treasury for everyday
inspiration.
Crowning the collection, and of surpassing importance, is
"Bookland--Story and Verse." This is an introduction to the best
literature in poetry and prose for young people from twelve to twenty;
in fact, for young people from twelve to eighty. The prose stories are
presented in the language of the masters themselves. There is no
diluting of their fine literary style. Careful abridgments have been
made by well-known literary critics, but the essence of these
masterpieces has been retained. This is important: our young people
should know the great, not only about them. The poems are usually given
entire.
In making the General Index and the Graded Index the Editors have
remembered that these are for use, not to fill space. The General Index
is practical and will help the user to find just what he is looking for,
and to find it quickly. The Graded Index is intended primarily for the
use of the parent. It sorts out and selects the best material for each
age. First is given a brief, clear account of the tastes and needs of
Infancy, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Late Childhood, and
Adolescence. Then all the material in The BOOKSHELF is assorted under
its score of important subjects, and put in the grade where it belongs.
By this plan the child may be directed to what he wants and needs now,
and each year he will grow more and more into the riches of his
BOOKSHELF.