This paper compares the founding of the elementary school systems of Ireland and Ontario in the nineteenth century. The systems shared a common set of textbooks that had originated in Ireland. Using examples from a number of these books, which were part of a series that had been specially prepared for the Irish national school system, founded in…

Discusses the views of A. J. Mundella concerning the scope and quality of the government's provision for education in England, which he considered to be inadequate when compared with many other nations. Examines his actions and ideology, and those of Robert Wild, concerning the status of teachers in England. (GEA)