I found a link for many ninteenth century school texts. Of course, for some subjects these would not be good choices because they are technologically behind, although it is true that the science of today was built on the discovery of yesterday. However, when it comes to literature and the English language, I think you will find that the 19th century was by far ahead of our current day and time.

http://digital.library.pitt.edu/nietz/fulltext/index.html

Little Bit Farm

-- Little Bit Farm (littlebit@brightok.net), July 07, 2003

Answers

Yes, It is ironic. The thing is, when I read books from the nineteenth century I am ashamed. It is easy for me to look back and see why the 1800's led to the technology of today. For one thing, there was a great deal of freedom to pursue great ideas at that time. there were no licenses or other red tape to invent anything your heart desired. Just reading the Foxfire books was an education for me. When these men needed something they set out to make it with their own hands. That is how the cotton gin was invented, perhaps THE reason we are typing on this computer today. Innovation is a spirit that is birthed out of freedom. I honestly believe that the reason that the pre-American world never significantly advanced before the United States came along is because freedom, and the heart for trying new things did not burst from their chests, like it did in Early America. However, I would also say that technology is a double edged sword. Perhaps it is the way we have dealt with technology, but we have lost nearly as much as we have gained.

Little Bit Farm

-- Little Bit Farm (littlebit@brightok.net), July 08, 2003.

That's an awesome site, Little Bit! Isn't it ironic that we use 21st century technology to access 19th century educational materials? I wonder what that says about materials available today? LOL

-- Gayle (gayleannesmith@yahoo.com), July 07, 2003.