INAUGURAL ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT OF KNOX COLLEGE, GALESBURG, ILLINOIS, JUNE 24, A. D. 1858, BY ... PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE.
Chicago: Daily Press and Tribune Book and Job Printing House, 1858. Original printed wrappers [some spotting], disbound, inner margin pinholes from previous stitching. 15, [1 blank] pp. Good+ or so.
In America "no child, of parents however poor, of birth however exotic, of race however despised or degraded, shall grow up among us without the privilege of instruction in the first rudiments of literacy and scientific knowledge."
Curtis defends post-high school education: it is not "aristocratic" or "designed for particular classes of society." Rather, higher education is "preeminently democratic, bringing the best education in the land within the reach of the poorest boy, if he have the energy, and talent, and perseverance to avail himself of their advantages." Curtis explains the mission of Knox College: "This College was designed for the laboring people of Illinois."
FIRST EDITION. Ante-Fire Imprints 315 [5]. Byrd 2886 [5]. Item #18718
Price: $250.00