Thomas Petit

The New-England Primer Collection [1690-1843] to which is added, The ABC Both in Latin & in English [1538] Thomas Petit

This volume presents a collection of the earliest children's primers in the English language, including "The ABC Both in Latin & in English" and "The New-England Primer". The ABC primer was published around 1538 by Thomas Petit in London. It is the earliest known primer containing the English alphabet and the prayers and elementary religious formularies used in the teaching of children and the daily life of home. The ABC has been reproduced here in its entirety. The popular New-England primer was first printed around 1690 by Benjamin Harris in Boston, Massachusetts, and went through innumerable editions. It reflected in a marvelous way the spirit of its time, and contributed, perhaps more than any other book except the Bible, to the moulding of America and its institutions. As far as it is possible, all content available in editions of the New-England primer between 1690 and 1843 have been included. All texts have been reconstructed for improved readability while adhering as closely as possible to the originals. We hope readers will find them useful for instruction, reflection, and historical inquiry.