CUISSART (E.). — The Cuissart Method. Practical and Simultan - Lot 71

CUISSART (E.). — The Cuissart Method. Practical and Simultaneous Instruction in Reading, Writing, Spelling, and Drawing. Paris, Librairie d'Éducation nationale, Alcide Picard, publisher, [circa 1908]. In-12, paperback, illustrated cover printed in black and pink. First booklet: Study of letters and their simple combinations. 463rd edition. Numerous illustrations and exercises throughout the text. A very popular method for learning to read developed by E. Cuissart, a former member of the Higher Council of Public Instruction and honorary elementary school inspector. The method simultaneously combines reading, writing, spelling, and drawing and draws on the method of M. Lacabe. The book states that it has been adopted by the City of Paris and several other French cities. This 463rd edition, a testament to the method’s extraordinary popularity, retains its attractive, illustrated educational cover depicting a teacher standing before a class of children. The lessons combine printed letters and cursive writing, syllabic breakdowns, small illustrations—such as a rooster and everyday objects—number recognition, and review exercises. An interesting map of Alsace-Lorraine, presented as “the part of Lorraine [and Alsace] torn from France by the Treaty of Frankfurt (1871),” helps situate this edition within the educational and patriotic context of the Third Republic. A student’s copy, bearing the handwritten inscription on the first endpaper: “Pierre Fère, 39 boulevard de la …” A well-used but complete copy: cover rubbed and faded, corners rounded and worn, spine and edges worn; paper discolored, a few marginal tears and creases. Several exercises were completed in pencil by the child, notably the number exercises, which provides an interesting testament to the textbook’s actual use.