As printing technologies improved in the 19th century, schoolbooks, such as this geography text, contained more engraved illustrations to engage readers. This book contained 120 engravings! Although the illustrations were often inaccurate or stereotypical, they provided students with images of unfamiliar peoples in other parts of the United States and the world. These books were a real “window to the world” for children in a time before TV, radio or movies, and with access to few magazines or newspapers. Ideas and images absorbed from the books would color the thoughts and beliefs of the children who studied them.
Mitchell, Samuel Augustus. Mitchell’s Primary Geography. An Easy Introduction to the Study of Geography. Thomas, Cowperthwait and Company, 1846. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/g-geog-1267/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
Please note: Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.