Historic Textbook Collection.

1770-1929

Holdings: 950 volumes

Scope and Contents

The books are useful today as a survey of pedagogical methods and contents as well as a portrayal of the American popular mind of the day. Values, morals, and religious piety were imparted in addition to the subjects covered in the books. Ideologies supporting the superiority of certain nations and races, concepts which are anathema today, were expounded. Works by familiar authors such as William Holmes McGuffy, Charles W. Sanders, Lindley Murray, Charles A. Goodrich, and Samuel G. Goodrich abound in the collection. Most were published in the centers of textbook production–New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Cincinnati–but cities across the country are also represented.

The Education Library of the University Libraries began collecting textbooks in 1968. Donations were solicited and members of the Friends of the Libraries made the pursuit of these books a hobby. The collection was housed in several locations and eventually became part of Special Collections.

The University of Missouri Libraries do not hold copyright on most collection materials, and therefore we do not charge usage fees or require permission to publish scanned images. The libraries encourage use of reproductions of Special Collections materials in publications, broadcasts, public displays and on web pages. However, please be aware that the user is responsible for determining copyright status and applying for permission to copyright holders.

Materials do not circulate but are available to users in the Special Collections Reading Room during service hours or by appointment.