Alphabet books in the United States from 1875-1975

his study examined the content of alphabet books published in the United States from 1875-1975 to ascertain continuity or changes that have evolved during that one hundred-year time span. Categories used to identify characteristics included the graphic design of the book, approaches to teaching reading, images of society and attitudes toward children. A sample of alphabet books was chosen from books available for three time periods, 1875-1914, 1915-1944, and 1945-1975. A within-group analysis was made of selected characteristics. A trend toward alphabet books of more than one color was noted. An additional trend was an increase in illustrations with no indication of rural or urban setting. A between-group analysis for the time periods of 1875-1914 and 1945-1975 was made showing a significant decrease in the use of rhyming couplets and a decrease in moralistic/didactic texts. Over the one hundred years the dominant size in alphabet books was found to be...