No printing date given. Copyrighted 1871. The author is credited for authoring a number of other books on various subjects. Although the preface argues thought is the seed of composition, the writer must also first conquer/study spelling, grammar, punctuation, style, and clearness of expression before writing an acceptable composition. The two most important points in preparation are the proper formation of ideas and their correct arrangement. The book provides a long list of themes/topics for a composition, with each being broken into several sections for elaboration and discussion. Some themes/topics are given introductions and conclusions. Others contain probing questions, sample quotations for evidence, or claims for further exploration. A few are more complete, brief compositions for study and imitation. Topics/themes include politeness, umbrellas, letter on business, and the cowardice of crime. The Schultz Archive's copy is roughly the complete text, but many pages are blurred close to spine, making them either difficult or impossible to read in their entirety.