Copyright 1895, 1900 and 1907 by Mrs. Anna J. Hardwicke Pennybacker AUSTIN, TEXAS MRS. PERCY V. PENNYBACKER PUBLISHER As has often been said, there is no other State in the Union whose history presents such varied and romantic scenes as does that of Texas. This alone would recommend it to the general reader and the earnest student. But there is, in addition to its interest, a potent reason why every school in the State should give Texas History a place in its course of study. No one who learns well the lessons therein taught can fail to become a better and a wiser citizen. This volume attempts to picture the principal events in our history in an easy, natural, and yet vivid style. 66 It is written from the standpoint of a teacher who believes that success in teaching history demands not only a live instructor, but also a live text-book. No pains have been spared to obtain the opinion of the best authorities on every disputed point; accuracy has never been sacrificed for the sake of an attempt at a brilliant period"; yet, on the other hand, every effort has been made to render the subject fascinating to the child mind. It is hoped that the numerous maps and illustrations will aid both the teacher and the pupil. Special attention is called to the Supplementary Work at the close of each era. The limited space of a text-book forbids further details as to biographies, manners, and customs, as it also excludes additional extracts from original papers; but those that are given will be sufficient to guide the thoughtful instructor and to show that history is not merely a dry recital of facts. When one remembers that Texas History is studied from the third grade in our public schools to the Agricultural and Mechanical College and the State Normals, it will be seen that the preparation of a text-book on the subject is beset with difficulties; the style must not be too abstract for the child nor yet too simple for the adult; subjects that are beyond the comprehension of the young pupil must be treated of for the benefit of the older student. To meet this difficulty the author has provided, in supplementary notes, a good deal of matter that should not be required of the younger children. The teacher will, of course, use his own discretion in omitting such topics and such notes as he deems unsuited to the needs of his class. The author has wished to show the causes and results of leading events, thus encouraging the scholar to dip into the philosophy of history. An earnest appeal is made to the teacher to develop more fully this feature |