A First Book in Writing English

"A First Book in Writing English" by Edwin Herbert Lewis is an instructional book from the 1800s designed to teach the basics of good English writing. Intended for younger secondary school students, the book’s goal is to give them a strong base in writing, grammar, and the art of persuasive speaking or writing. It stresses how important it is to write clearly, giving useful tips on how to organize ideas, create strong sentences, and use punctuation correctly. The book starts by explaining why it's important to teach writing to students earlier in their schooling, instead of waiting until their last year of high school. Lewis argues it's helpful to let students form writing ideas as they learn new things and develop their thinking. He highlights the need for clear rules to guide students in their writing, with the goal of building both practical writing skills and an appreciation for the beauty of language. The beginning sets the stage for a complete look at writing techniques, pushing the idea that good communication is key for expressing oneself and understanding others.