The Universal Spelling Book, Or, A New And Easy Guide To The English Language.
The Sixty-Fifth Edition With Additions
By D. Fenning
Rebised, Corrected And Improved by Joseph Moon
Printed and Sold by W. Marriott: Derby c1820 (last date reference is to the year 1811 on page 154)
Endpapers were replaced long ago retaining the original inscriptions - with a wonderful
handwritten note
"Steal not this book for fear of shame......"
"
The Universal Spelling Book, or, A New and Easy Guide to the English Language, by D. Fenning and revised by Joseph Moon, was printed and sold by W. Marriott of Derby circa 1820, this being the sixty-fifth edition. Originally composed in the eighteenth century, Fenning's enduring primer was among the most influential educational texts of its kind, designed to teach children and adults alike the foundations of reading, spelling, and grammar. This later edition continues Fenning's mission of making the English language accessible through clear rules, graduated lessons, and moral examples, with Moon's revisions ensuring linguistic accuracy and pedagogical refinement for early nineteenth-century learners.
The book offers a fascinating glimpse into Georgian and Regency-era instruction, combining language exercises with moral guidance—a hallmark of the didactic tone of the period. Its structure moves from basic phonetics to complex vocabulary and reading passages, reflecting the evolution of literacy education during Britain's industrial and social transformation. The mention of 1811 within the text provides a helpful chronological anchor, supporting the circa 1820 dating of this Derby-printed edition.
Adding to its charm and historical resonance, this copy retains original owner inscriptions and a delightful handwritten cautionary rhyme—"
Steal not this book for fear of shame
…"—a common schoolchild's warning against book theft. Such personal touches lend human warmth to a utilitarian text and make it a particularly evocative survivor of early nineteenth-century schooling. This volume would appeal strongly to collectors of educational history, early English grammar texts, and those with an interest in the material culture of learning during Britain's Regency era."
General wear and rub through to leathers covers and spine as shown. Endpapers were replaced long ago retaining the original inscriptions - with a wonderful handwritten note "Steal not this book for fear of shame......". Binding is good with no loose pages. Pages are very soft and well thumbed through. Some age toning, staining, chipping etc to pages. A very nice and collectible book in good condition overall. Please study photos for further reference as to condition.
