1907 copyrighted text. Author is credited with a PhD and as Assistant Professor of English in the University of Wisconsin. A practical manual for students of composition for reference in case of errors in themes and for independent reference by those who want information on good usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, manuscript-arrangement, and letter-writing. Preface argues the text is purposefully dogmatic, as it is necessary for most students to observe rigidly and invariably rules to which masters of the art make exceptions. The author credits the influence of Professors Adams Sherman Hill, William Dwight Whitney, Alphonso G. Newcomer, John Duncan Quackenbos, Fred Newton Scott, and Joseph Villier Denney. Section one, the Composition of Discourse, includes: introductory on the standard of good usage, diction, the structure of sentences, and the structure of larger units of discourse. Section two, Putting Discourse on Paper, covers: spelling, legibility, arrangement of manuscript, alterations in manuscript, punctuation, syllabication, abbreviations, etc. Section three is Analytical Outlines; section four, Letter-Writing; section five, a Glossary of Miscellaneous faulty expressions. The appendices cover: exercises for breaking certain bad habits in writing and speaking, a grammatical vocabulary, and a list of words that are often mispronounced. The Schultz Archive is roughly the complete 239 page text.
1894 printing of 1890 copyrighted text. Revised and enlarged edition. Author is credited with a B.A. and as editor of Goldsmith's "Deserted Village," Cowper's "Task," etc. Preface (dated 1891) states text addresses lack of texts that ably deal with the theoretical part of composition and offer a sufficient amount of practice. It proceeds on the simple method of laying down a few principles at a time and then illustrating them with a variety of exercises. Chapters cover: the sentence, punctuation, style (diction, formation of sentences, construction of paragraphs), variety of expression, figures of speech, qualities of style (perspicuity, picturesqueness, force, pathos, the ludicrous, the aesthetic), letters, the plan, kinds of discourse, versification, correcting compositions, and proof-reading and marking. The Schultz Archive copy is roughly the complete 338 page text.
1906 printing of 1905 copyrighted text. The author is credited with a Bachelor of Arts, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, and as the author of a book on elementary composition and a language speller. Author's note states the book is based on material from the author's years of teaching. It's distinctive approach includes: gradual increase in skill, establishment of good habits, repeated applications, careful grouping of subjects, a standpoint of a fellow-worker, encouraging self-reliance, and opportunities to complete pieces of literature. Also includes five sections of "Answers to Pupils' Inquiries." Chapters cover qualities of style, punctuation, points of view, kinds of sentences, figures of speech, descriptive writing, metaphorical stories, narration, poetry, exposition, argumentation, and the structuring of compositions. Includes an appendix on English and Library Work. The Schultz Archive copy includes the author's note, TOC, the first page of the introduction, and pages 54 – 67, 94 – 99, 138 – 175, 214 – 259.
