To all fellow lovers of reading and history, get ready to be jealous. I found this little gem on Ebay and couldn't be more excited to dig in. This book was used in classrooms in the early 18oo's....many years before the War Between the States divided our country and changed our course from limited government forever.
Because that infamous war was craftily used for politically driven purposes that have led to our nation's continual rising dependency on government, and in turn, our government's very obvious self-centered notion that they can spend our money better than we can, I have often wondered about its impact on post-war history books. For instance, was history re-written on occasion to further an agenda? I have long suspected that might be the case. What better way to find out than to read pages from a worn out, forgotten book of old to find out for myself?
I have just had the opportunity to open the pages and begin to read, but wanted to share a few points regarding "History" from the prespective of the author:
1. "History sets before us striking instances of virtue, enterprise, courage, generosity, patriotism...and encites us to copy such noble examples. History also presents us with pictures of the vicious ultimately overtaken by misery and shame, and thus solemnly warns us against vice."
2. "History...opens the hidden springs of human affairs; the causes of the rise, grandeur, revolutions, and fall of empires; it points out the influence which the manners of a people exert upon a government and the influence which that government reciprocally exerts upon the manners of a people. It illustrates the blessings of political union, and the miseries of faction; the dangers of unbridled liberty, and the mischiefs of despotic power."
3. "History displays the dealings of God with mankind. It calls upon us often to regard with awe His darker judgments, and again it awakens the liveliest emotions of gratitude for his kind and benignant dispensations. It cultivates a sense of dependence on Him; strengthens our confidence in His benevolence; and impresses us with a conviction of His justice."
4. "Besides these advantages, the study of history.....chastens the imagination, improves the taste, furnishes matter for conversation and reflection, enlarges the range of thought, and strengthens and disciplines the mind."
At some point, I promise to share my findings with you!!!
How exciting!
ReplyDeleteCool! I love old books - which is a good thing, since I'm getting my master's degree in book conservation :-) As a book conservator, I have just a couple of suggestions for how to keep it in the best possible condition. If possible, store flat (aka, do not stand it upright on a bookshelf) - this will help keep pressure off the spine as well as the hinges of the cover (which appear to only be attached by the cords anyway).
ReplyDeleteIf possible, store it in an archival quality box that is a little bigger than the book itself - this will prevent light damage or any accidental bumps and scrapes.
Finally, when opening the book, since the hinges in the cover are almost completely broken, open the cover onto a raised surface to provide support for the cover (this will prevent extra wear and tear on the book cords that are holding the covers onto the book). Here's an illustration of what this should look like: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byauth/baughman/supports/supp1.gif
Anyway, that's just my 2 cents :-) The aforementioned steps will help keep the book going for another 200 years!
P.S. you might get a kick out of some books I worked on last year that were owned and signed by one of the most influential characters in American history: http://eccentric-chef.blogspot.com/2010/07/coolest-thing-ever.html
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jenna and I came across your site. Hope is a real courageous, strong and determined fighter. She is a brave warrior, smilen champ and an inspirational hero. All your kids are beautiful, handsome, cute and adorble. They are all great, loving, wonderful and caring kids. i was born with a rare life threatening disease, and developmental delays. I love it when people sign my guestbook. www.miraclechamp.webs.com
Hi Melanie- We graduated the same year from BCHS though we weren't acquainted. I found your blog listed on the FaceBook Page for our class. I have enjoyed reading your blog, and look forward to reading more in the future.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Joy Robinson Aisthorpe