Independent Fifth Reader

PREFACE.

G

OOD READING, the primary educational requisite, the most useful and interesting of

the accomplishments, is rarely attained in its excellence, without conscientious and effective training in youth. Hence, it is here purposed to combine in a comprehensive volume of moderate size, complete in all its parts, the right material and needful aids for intermediate classes and the mass of students who can not command sufficient time for the mastery of a larger and more intricate elocutionary reading-book.

THE TREATISE ON ELOCUTION is simple and practical, presenting the subject both as a science and an art. Its divisions in Pronunciation and Expression, and their relations to each other, are exhibited to the eye by a Series of Blackboard Diagrams. Printed in large type, with apt examples from the choicest writers for illustration, many of which are beautiful in expression and rich in sentiment, and arranged for class exercises rather than tasks, the Sections of this Treatise will prove most interesting for reading-lessons. The principles and rules are stated in language so succinct and perspicuous that the necessity of exceptions is avoided. Several examples under each section are left unmarked, thus affording opportunity for the exercise of judgment, taste, and discrimination.

In this Edition, all of Webster's marked letters are used as required to indicate pronunciation. Its phonic alphabet is made complete by the addition of the com

bined letters: Ou, ow, ch, sh, th, wh, and ng. This marked type affords nearly all the advantages of pure Phonetics, without incurring any of the objections, and is as easily read as though unmarked. Its daily and judicious use in the Body of the Readings and Notes, marking doubtful words and localisms not less than once at each opening of the book, can not fail to form the habit of correct pronunciation.

THE READINGS OF PART SECOND embrace exciting and interesting narratives, spirited conversations, rare ballads, dramatic lyrics, prose recitations, etc., specially adapted to illustrate the principles of rhetorical delivery. They are calculated to awaken interest and enthusiasm, and develop a laudable ambition, love of country, and domestic virtues. They are graded in a systematic manner, presenting the simplest first in order, and divided into formal sections, in each of which a leading subject is treated, or a single element of Elocution made prominent. The wood-cuts are unsurpassed by those of any similar text-book.

THE AIDS preparative to the readings are unusually complete. Pronunciation is indicated as needed at each opening of the book. More than a thousand foot-notes are introduced which give the pronunciation of the words re-spelled; definitions; explanations of classical, historical, and other allusions; and biographical sketches of the authors of selections, and of persons whose names occur in the readings. This aid is given on the page where first needed, and a complete Index to the Notes is added for general reference.

NEW YORK, October, 1880.