This companion volume was revised in 1879 to conform in orthography, pronunciation, and spelling to the latest edition of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.

The fourth reader in the set, substantially edited and enlarged and illustrated by American artists.

The third reader in the set continues spelling exercises in the first half and introduces definitions in the latter half of the book.

The most influential books in the history of American education, The McGuffey Readers not only taught reading skills and classic literature but also imparted idealized middle class virtues to millions of schoolchildren.