Historical Reading

Oh, what to post on today - walked into the Bullis Room, pulled a book off the shelf and said - - yes.
This little book is titled The historical reader designed for the use of schools and families on a new plan by Rev. J. L. Blake.  The quote on the title page is "History serves to amuse the imagination; to interest the passions; to improve the understanding; and to strengthen the sentiments of virtue and piety."  This was a book owned by A. R. Bullis and probably used in the late 1800's, possibly early 1900's.  It was published in 1825 originally with this copy being printed in 1832.  This book covers Biblical history, Greek and Roman history, Islamic history, European history and U.S. History.  Each page has questions at the bottom of it - What was the character of Cleopatra?; What did Luther do with this bull of excommunication?; What anecdote is related of Edward the black prince, to illustrate the advantages of chivalry?; Who promoted the courts of Inquisition in Spain?; By whom, and for what reason did Providence receive its name?; When was the Battle of Erie?; What was the motto on Commodore Perry's union jack?; When did Bonaparte enter Moscow?; and the list goes on.  I would expect that the answers to these questions would stimulate our imaginations, interest us in learning more, improve our understanding and help us to see what is right and what is wrong.  It's an intriguing book - one that I would rather read than peruse.