FIRST BOOK IN ASTRONOMY. 
Designed for the Use of Common Schools. By Rev. J. L. Blake, D. D. 
Illustrated by Steel-Plate Engravings 
From E. Hinckley , Professor of Mathematics in Maryland University. 
“ I am much indebted to you for a copy of the First Book in Astrono¬ 
my. It is a work of utility and merit, far superior to any other which I 
have seen. The author has selected his topics with great judgment,— 
arranged them in admirable order, — exhibited them in a style and man¬ 
ner at once tastefuT and philosophical. Nothing seems warnings,— 
nothing redundant. It is truly a very beautiful and attractive book, 
calculated to afford both pleasure and profit to all who may enjoy the 
advantage of perusing it. E. Hinckley.” 
From B. Field , Principal of the Hancock School , Boston. 
“ I know of no other work on Astronomy so well calculated to interest 
and instruct young learners in this sublime science.” 
From James F. Gould , A. M., Principal of the High School for Young 
Ladies , Baltimore , Md. 
“ I shall introduce your First Book in Astronomy into my academy in 
September. I consider it decidedly superior to any elementary work of 
the kind I have ever seen. James F. Gould.” 
From Isaac Foster , Instructor of Youth , Portland. 
“ I have examined Blake’s First Book in Astronomy, and am much 
pleased with it. A very happy selection of topics is presented in a man¬ 
ner which cannot fail to interest the learner, while the questions will 
a ist him materially in fixing in the memory what ought to be retained. 
I. uves the most intricate parts of the subject for those who are able to 
master them, and brings before the young pupil only what can be made 
intelligible and interesting to him. Isaac Foster.” 
“ The illustrations, both pictorial and verbal, are admirably intelli¬ 
gible ; and the definitions are such as to be easily comprehended by 
juvenile scholars. The author has interwoven with his scientific 
instructions much interesting historical information, and contrived to 
dress his philosophy in a garb truly attractive.” — N. Y. Daily Evening 
Journal. 
“ We are free to say, that it is, in our opinion, decidedly the best work 
we have any knowledge of, on the sublime and interesting subject o 
Astronomy. The engravings are executed in a superior style, and the 
mechanical appearance of the book is extremely prepossessing. The 
knowledge imparted is in language at once chaste, elegant, and simple 
— adapted to the comprehension of those for whom it was designed. 
The subject matter is selected with great judgment, and evinces uncom¬ 
mon industry and research. We earnestly hope that parents and teach¬ 
ers will examine and judge for themselves, as we feel confident they 
will coincide with us in opinion. We only hope the circulation of the 
work will be commensurate with its merits.”— Boston Evening Gazette. 
“ This neat and prepossessing little volume comprehends all the requi¬ 
sites of a good book, — such a book as may safely be put into the hands 
of children with advantage. The diction is chaste and pure, the subject 
matter selected with great judgment, and the language is peculiarly 
adapted to the comprehension of the young mind. The introduction of 
it into our schools generally, will, we believe, essentially promote the 
cause of education.” — Saco paper. 
