“Little Pieces for Little Speakers”: A Schoolbook for Recitation

Here is the next installment in my Book by Book: The Teaching Collection Series. This week’s installment looks at Little Pieces for Little Speakers: A Collection of Poetry Designed to Assist Parents and Teachers in Preparing for Exhibitions. Compiled by Miss S. M. Priest. (Boston: Lee and Shepard, 1870).

Little Pieces for Little Speakers (1870) compiled by Miss S. M. Priest and published in Boston by Lee and Shepard in 1870, is a charming example of 19th-century educational literature aimed at young learners. During this period, the cultivation of oratory skills and the memorization of poetry were considered essential components of a well-rounded education. This collection of poetry reflects the educational priorities of the time, where moral instruction and the development of public speaking abilities were intertwined. The subtitle of the book markets this compilation as a practical resource for parents and teachers, offering a carefully curated selection of short poems and dialogue suitable for recitation in the classroom, as well as public gatherings.

Such exhibitions were popular in 19th-century America, serving both as a means of showcasing students’ accomplishments and reinforcing community values. The poems within Little Pieces for Little Speakers often emphasize themes of virtue, patriotism, and religious faith, mirroring the broader cultural and moral ideals of the era.

While the video allows a glimpse at some of these texts, I’ve tried to also shift focus away from the text to other elements of the book, which is what I often do in selected classes. The book was published by prominent Boston publisher and booksellers Lee & Shepard (1862-1905) in association with NYC partner Charles T. Dillingham and contains a frontispiece and illustrated title page by the engraving firm of John Andrew & Son (est.1869), longtime affiliate with the Boston publisher. Viewers will also see the endearing inscription “To Daisy from Papa” on the inside cover and two laid-in items: a partial postal stamp and a torn advertisement—perhaps used as a bookmark—for “John Lewis Childs, Floral Park, Queens Co., New York.” The back cover lists a catalog of other schoolbooks published by Lee & Shepard.

Historically, this volume provides valuable insight into the educational practices and social expectations of post-Civil War America. It highlights the role of literature in the moral and intellectual formation of children, as well as the importance placed on public performance as a tool for personal and social development. Binding, illustrations, typography, and accompanying advertisements each provide clues into its production and its intended audience and provide a rich context for understanding the aesthetic and commercial environment in which the book was produced, reflecting both technological advances and cultural trends of the era.

Today, Little Pieces for Little Speakers stands as a testament to the educational and cultural priorities of its time, offering modern readers a window into the world of 19th-century childhood education and how literature was used to shape young minds. Its preservation and study contribute to our understanding of the historical evolution of educational materials and the enduring significance of poetry in the classroom.