The Normal Monthly 1873–1876. An Educational and Literary Journal.

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These first three volumes, spanning the years 1873–1876 and apparently all published, were edited by Edward Brooks (1831–1912) for the Pennsylvania State Normal School of the Second District. Normal schools were established for the training of teachers.

Volume 1 describes The Normal Monthly as an “exponent of the principles of Normal Schools, and will labor to advance their interests and the great cause which they represent,” and “The Normal Monthly will take especial interest in the education and proper social position of women… In its first issue it unfurls the flag of equal pay for equal labor regardless of sex.”

Each 12-page issue presents a range of articles on educational topics, school updates, and student writings. Many articles highlight women’s progress in the workforce, with numerous entries focused on women’s contributions to education. Notable headlines include: “Woman’s Work and Wages”; “The Education of Women”; “Schools in California”; “System in Teaching”; “Women Professors”; and “Woman in Politics.”

The journal also explores diverse aspects of teaching and the school environment, such as “Order in the School-Room”; “Nature of the Professional Course”; “Normal Schools at the Centennial”; “No Religion in Public Schools”; “The School Question”; and “Let Them Have Fresh Air.”

The book review section covers significant titles, including “Sex in Education, or a Fair Chance for the Girls”; “A Self-Made Woman”; “The Pennsylvania Song Collection”; “Prang’s Natural History Series”; “The Minnesota Teacher and Journal of Education”; and “The Rhode Island Schoolmaster.”

Scarce. Three physical copies within OCLC, per OCLC 10578735: American University, Miami University, Millersville University.

Price: $450.00