Used in English schools into the twentieth century, this 1819 publication by the indefatigable writer and reformer William Cobbett (1763-1835) provides concise and practical explanations of a range of grammatical terms. It also includes 'specimens of false grammar' from Samuel Johnson and 'errors and nonsense' from George III.

Indefatigable as a writer and reformer on rural and political questions in his native Britain, William Cobbett (1763-1835) wrote the present work during the period he spent as a farmer in the United States. Intended for young people and especially 'soldiers, sailors, apprentices, and plough-boys' (Cobbett had himself been one of the latter), it provides concise and practical explanations of grammatical terms, touching on aspects of orthography, prosody, etymology and syntax. First published in December 1818 and used in English schools into the twentieth century, it is reissued here in the version printed in London in 1819. Cobbett demonstrates in a series of letters to his son the fundamental importance of good grammar and clarity of expression. To emphasise this point, he includes 'specimens of false grammar' in the writings of Samuel Johnson as well as 'errors and nonsense' in a speech given by George III.