1896 printing of 1896 copyrighted text. Author is credited as Teacher of English in Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY. The book is a collection of speeches presented at the Brooklyn Teachers' Association on the subject of elementary composition. Chapter 1, A Word to the Reader, states the author believes composition may include speaking as well as writing and work by a community as well as work by individuals. It also voices concern about composition teaching that invents a barrier of formulas and conventionality. Chapters cover letter-writing, story-telling, word-collecting, descriptions, the simile and personification, elaboration of sentences into paragraphs, outlining compositions, criticism and other various topics. The Schultz Archive copy is roughly the complete 114 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.
