Written as part of the Leading Facts of History Series by D.H. Montgomery, The Beginner’s American History covers the early history of the United States by focusing on a succession of “great” historical figures, spanning from Christopher Columbus to Abraham Lincoln. “Its object is to present clearly and accurately those facts and principles in the lives of some of the chief founders and builders of America which would be of interest and value to pupils beginning the study of our history. Throughout the book great care has been taken to relate only such incidents and anecdotes as are believed to rest on unexceptionable authority” (taken from the Preface). Sprinkled throughout the text are a number of maps and illustrations. Each chapter is broken into smaller, more manageable sections and is followed by a series of comprehension questions meant as an aid for classroom instruction.
- Title: The Beginner’s American History
- Author: David H. Montgomery
- Publisher: Ginn & Company
- Year: 1897
- Place: Boston
- Illustrator: C.S. King
- Typography by J.S. Cushing & Co.
- Condition: The book is bound with boards covered in a deep red cloth. The title and illustration on the cover are printed in black in but faded with age. Gilt particulars on the spine. There is significant shelf wear to the spine and the edges of the cover. Some scuffing and staining on the cover. The binding is intact but coming loose. The pages of the main block are crisp, not bent or torn, and generally clean. The end pages are more worn, bent, and tanned with age. The front pastedown is cracked along the fold. Some notes have been inscribed in both ink and pencil on both the front and back end pages (including the name Gracie Holbrook of New Port Vermont). A label for Fowler & Colwell Booksellers: 221 West Second St., Los Angeles sits is affixed to the bottom of the front pastedown.