The National Primer

12mo, 56pp. Blue printed wraps laminated to the outer text leaves with later stitching along the spine (that has missed pages 11-14, which is now a little loose and protruding at the foredge with wear along the edge. Thoroughly illustrated with woodcuts. Overall in Good condition with bumping and dog-earring at the lower corner; shallow chipping/loss in the upper foredge margin affecting the last 10 or so leaves with no loss to the printed area. OCLC lists 2 copies (Columbia, UNC Greensboro) and suggests the publication date ca. 1860s, but the imprint "Leavitt & Co." is known to have been used 1848-1852, so it is likely a bit earlier. They also attribute Illustrations signed JHH to John H. Hall; another to Henry Bricher (p.35) and possibly Cornelius T. Hinckley ("CTH," p. 41). Not listed in American Primers.

Scarce American primer featuring animals and elements of natural history. Some of the vocabulary is fairly advanced for a primer, which also incorporates references to industry and trade, including the gold mines in California, an outline of metal alloys, a description of sheep sheering, etc. The trio of frontis woodcuts shows girls and boys in their respective classrooms and a vignette titled "Amusements" which shows children playing baseball.