There are very few persons who have not heard of the fame of Peter the Great, the founder, as he is generally regarded by mankind, of Russian civilization. The celebrity, however, of the great Muscovite sovereign among young persons is due in a great measure to the circumstance of his having repaired personally to Holland, in the course of his...More
Jacob Abbott was an acclaimed American writer of children's books. Born in Hallowell, Maine, Abbott's literary prowess captivated young readers for generations. His educational tales blended entertainment and enlightenment, providing a foundation of knowledge to eager minds. Abbott's path began at Bowdoin College, where he graduated in 1820. His studies at Andover Theological Seminary further shaped his intellect, and he embarked on a career as a teacher and pastor. Abbott's commitment to education led him to establish the Mount Vernon School for Young Ladies in Boston and later serve as principal at Abbott's Institute and the Mount Vernon School for Boys in New York City. As a prolific author, Abbott's pen gave life to over 180 books,...More
Jacob Abbott was an acclaimed American writer of children's books. Born in Hallowell, Maine, Abbott's literary prowess captivated young readers for generations. His educational tales blended entertainment and enlightenment, providing a foundation of knowledge to eager minds. Abbott's path began at Bowdoin College, where he graduated in 1820. His studies at Andover Theological Seminary further shaped his intellect, and he embarked on a career as a teacher and pastor. Abbott's commitment to education led him to establish the Mount Vernon School for Young Ladies in Boston and later serve as principal at Abbott's Institute and the Mount Vernon School for Boys in New York City. As a prolific author, Abbott's pen gave life to over 180 books, coauthored or edited an additional 31, and left an indelible mark on children's literature. His renowned Rollo Books introduced young readers to the adventures of Rollo and his friends, teaching them valuable life lessons along the way. Abbott's literary endeavors extended beyond fiction, with 22 volumes of biographical histories and the monumental 10-volume Franconia Stories. Driven by a desire to both entertain and educate, Abbott crafted his stories to instill valuable knowledge, nurture critical thinking, and inspire moral conduct. His works aimed to cultivate a deep sense of piety and integrity while fostering language skills and a love for learning. Through his enduring writings, Abbott left a lasting legacy as a storyteller and educator.
Book Summary
There are very few persons who have not heard of the fame of Peter the Great, the founder, as he is generally regarded by mankind, of Russian civilization. The celebrity, however, of the great Muscovite sovereign among young persons is due in a great measure to the circumstance of his having repaired personally to Holland, in the course of his efforts to introduce the industrial arts among his people, in order to study himself the art and mystery of shipbuilding, and of his having worked with his own hands in a ship-yard there. The little shop where Peter pursued these practical studies still stands in Saardam, a ship-building town not far from Amsterdam. The building is of wood, and is now much decayed; but, to preserve it from farther injury, it has been incased in a somewhat larger building of brick, and it is visited annually by great numbers of curious travelers. The whole history of Peter, as might be expected from the indications of character developed by this incident, forms a narrative that is full of interest and instruction for all.
Jacob Abbott
