Reverend William McGuffey was for the education reform
because it allowed him to make money selling school books like The Eclectic Second Reader. McGuffey
wanted to create this document for three reasons. First, in the hopes it would
fill his pockets with money. But also the more noble reasons like spreading his
religion (he is a reverend) and teaching children how to read so they can make
something of themselves. This excerpt from the book does not have any opinions
in it, so it can be deemed as a trustworthy and reliable source. One year after
the publishing of this book, Horace Mann created the Massachusetts Board of
Education, and from that position, he would go on to ensure that every child
had access to free schooling, paid for by local taxes. This book is proof that
people were concerned enough with the state of education that they were willing
to do something about it, for instance, spending time creating a book to teach
kids to read. The Eclectic Second Reader
does not say anything specifically about what lead McGuffey to write this book.
Was he predicting Horace Mann would create more schools, so that a book like
his would have a bigger audience? It is unclear. This book does not give a
complete picture of the event because it is not a record of the event but a
result of them. The Preface claims that, “If this little volume should meet the
wants of Teachers, and assist them in the instruction of their pupils, the
author will be amply rewarded for his undertaking.” If this is true, it proves
that concern for the wellbeing of children came before McGuffey’s desire for
money when he wrote this book. Using the word "little" to describe his book makes him sound like a humble man. The general populous would prefer to buy a book by a humble author for their children, rather than one without, to teach their kids that being humble is a good trait.
McGuffey, William. "Preface" In The Eclectic Second Reader For the Younger Classes in Schools With Engravings. Vol. Two. Cincinnati: Truman and Smith, 1836. via https://ia701206.us.archive.org/
PBS. Accessed January 12, 2015. http://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/horace.html.
