If the pupil is to gain the full benefit from his reading, certain definite helps must be provided. An efficient reader must score a high test not only on the fundamentals of quality, variety, organization, and quantity of literature, but also on its fitness as a tool for classroom use. The effectiveness of this reader as such a tool may be indicated by the following distinguishing features: Definite (1) A distinctive introduction, "The Crystal Glass" (see page 11), gives the pupil an illuminating interpretation of the organization and literary content of the volume. (2) A comprehensive Glossary (pages 397-416), contains the words and phrases that offer valuable vocabulary training, either in pronunciation or meaning. The aim is to leave the teacher free to establish the dictionary habit by using the Glossary according to the needs of her particular class, but suggestive type words and phrases are listed under Notes and Questions. (3) A complete program of study, "How to Gain the Full Benefit from Your Reading" (pages 28, 29), gives a concise explanation of the various helps found in the book. (4) The helps to study are more than mere notes; they aid in making significant the larger purposes of the selections. These "Notes and Questions" include: (a) Biographies of the authors, that supply data for interpreting the stories and poems; particularly helpful are those of Part III; (b) Historical settings, wherever they are necessary to the intelligent understanding of the selection (see pages 94, 105, etc.); (c) Questions and suggestions that present clearly the main idea, stimulate original discussion and comparison, and bring out modern parallels to the situations found in the selections; (d) Special lists of words for vocabulary building, included under "Discussion" (see page 29, etc.); (e) Words of everyday use frequently mispronounced, listed for study under "Discussion" (see page 29, etc.); (f) Phrases that should be given attention because of idiomatic difficulty; for convenience in locating these phrases the page and line numbers are indicated. In the ELSON READERS selections are grouped according to theme or authorship. This arrangement, however, is not intended to fix an exact order for reading in class; its purpose is to emphasize classification, facilitate com- parison, and enable pupils to appreciate similarities and contrasts in the treat- ment of like themes by different authors. To give variety, to meet the interests at different seasons and festivals, and |