English as She is Taught Being Genuine Answers to Examination Questions in Our Public Schools

A whimsical snapshot of 19th‑century classroom life, this volume gathers authentic answers students once scribbled on public‑school examinations. The pages are littered with earnest, often bewildering attempts at grammar, math, geography and even philosophy, each preserving the genuine voice of a pupil struggling with the curriculum. Accompanying the responses, a sharp‑tongued commentary offers a satirical lens, highlighting the absurdities of rote learning while gently mocking both teacher and pupil alike.

The collection’s charm lies in its unvarnished honesty—no answers have been altered, allowing listeners to hear the raw, sometimes hilarious, echo of an era’s educational expectations. Through witty observations and historical anecdotes, the commentary draws surprising parallels between British and American schools, underscoring a shared comedic folly. It’s a rare chance to step into the chalk‑dusty corridors of the past and hear the earnest, if imperfect, attempts of children striving to master a language that often outpaced them.