Historical information

The late 1800s saw a growing concern about the amount and nature of homework assigned to students. Some believed homework, especially the focus on rote memorization, negatively affected children's physical and mental well-being. The specific types of homework varied, ranging from memorization tasks to more analytical exercises, like those found in this historic homework book from the period.

Physical description

A green marbled paper covered hardcover school homework book which belonged to Ms Beryl Jacquier. It has dark green tape on the spine. Arithmetic homework is written at the front section and English work is written turning the book upside down at the back. John E. Fowler is handwritten in copperplate black ink at the end of most of the work. London October 23rd 1837 is written at the top right of a response of a reference letter for Mr Edward Wilmot of Banbury. Pages are loose and there is foxing and tanning. The book is filled completely.

Inscriptions & markings

'John E. Fowler' is written at the end of most of the work written in copperplate black ink. 'London October 23rd 1837' is written at the top right of a response of a reference letter for 'Mr Edward Wilmot of Banbury'. Whether this is a actual referral or an exercise for script writing is not evident.