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Verse and Prose for Beginners in Reading Selected from English and American Literature   By: (1838-1902)

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Verse and Prose for Beginners in Reading Selected from English and American Literature by Horace Elisha Scudder is a remarkable collection that serves as an excellent starting point for individuals seeking to explore the depths of English and American literature. This comprehensive anthology offers an array of captivating poems and prose pieces carefully handpicked to engage and enlighten readers of all levels.

One of the most admirable aspects of this collection is Scudder's meticulous selection of texts. He adeptly combines well-known classics and lesser-known gems to create a well-balanced and diverse mix of material. From the timeless verses of Shakespeare and Milton to the thought-provoking writings of Emerson and Thoreau, each piece contributes to the overarching theme of the anthology, creating a harmonious mosaic of literature.

The book's organization is also praiseworthy. Scudder arranges the selections thematically, allowing readers to explore various topics, such as nature, love, and morality. This thoughtful arrangement not only makes it easier to navigate the anthology but also enhances the appreciation of the literary nuances, as readers can observe the different perspectives and interpretations of these themes across different time periods and authors.

Furthermore, Scudder provides brief introductions to each text, offering helpful context and insights into the author's style and intentions. These introductions foster a deeper understanding and connection with the works, making them accessible even to those who might be unfamiliar with the writers featured. Scudder's annotated footnotes are equally valuable, shedding light on any historical or cultural references that may perplex modern readers.

While the anthology primarily focuses on poetry, the inclusion of prose pieces adds another layer of richness to the collection. These prose selections, ranging from essays to short stories, offer a refreshing break from the rhythmic cadence of poetry. They exemplify the breadth and depth of English and American literature, showcasing the diversity of styles and themes that exist within the genre.

Verse and Prose for Beginners in Reading is not only a compilation of literary masterpieces but also a tool for nurturing a love for reading and literature. Scudder's selections are accessible to beginners, yet they possess enough depth to engage more seasoned readers. This anthology serves as an invitation to explore further, enticing readers to delve into the wider realm of literature and discover their own personal favorites.

In conclusion, Horace Elisha Scudder's Verse and Prose for Beginners in Reading Selected from English and American Literature is an outstanding compilation that should find its place on the bookshelf of anyone seeking to embark on a journey into the world of literature. With its thoughtfully curated selections, insightful introductions, and diverse range of authors, this anthology offers a captivating and enriching reading experience for all.

First Page:

VERSE AND PROSE

FOR

BEGINNERS IN READING

SELECTED FROM ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE

1893

PREFACE.

The attentive reader of this little book will be apt to notice very soon that though its title is Verse and Prose for Beginners in Reading , the verse occupies nine tenths, the prose being confined to about two hundred proverbs and familiar sayings some of them, indeed, in rhyme scattered in groups throughout the book. The reason for this will be apparent as soon as one considers the end in view in the preparation of this compilation.

The Riverside Primer and Reader , as stated in its Introduction, "is designed to serve as the sole text book in reading required by a pupil. When he has mastered it he is ready to make the acquaintance of the world's literature in the English tongue." In that book, therefore, the pupil was led by easy exercises to an intelligent reading of pieces of literature, both verse and prose, so that he might become in a slight degree familiar with literature before he parted with his sole text book. But the largest space had, of necessity, to be given to practice work, which led straight to literature, indeed, though to a small quantity only. The verse offered in that book was drawn from nursery rhymes and from a few of the great masters of poetical form; the prose was furnished by a selection of proverbs, some of the simplest folk stories, and two passages, closing the book, from the Old and New Testaments... Continue reading book >>




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