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The first settlers of New England brought primers with them from England where they had been in use for over 100 years. Primers, also known as "catechisms", began as religious books with simple lessons. Such books often had an alphabet along with useful pictures and stories with a heavy dose of moralism. This example includes both religious (e.g., Zacheus) and modern references (Washington). Even in this late copy, the Puritan interest in death was impressed on young readers.

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