Contents
In this site are exhibited several pages from a unique book
that was published in Mexico in 1937. The populist government
of President Lázaro Cárdenas created a network of
free Night Schools for Workers in an effort to raise the literacy
rate among the lower classes. In these schools both literacy and
political consciousness were taught; the texts and pictures show
a marked political tendency as they teach both literacy and labor-capital
relations. The Adult Reader on display here was illustrated by
members of the LEAR, the League of Revolutionary Artists and Writers
which had been founded in 1933. This group allied itself with
the programs of the Cárdenas government, offering help
to teach the poor. Some famous artists, and a few lesser known,
illustrated this book with woodcuts in a strong graphic style.
Cover of the book (64kb; 5 7/8 x 8 7/8 inches)
Frontispiece with Dedication
Penmanship Lessons
Mariano Paredes, "The Land Belongs to Those Who Work It"
Anonymous, "Sparks Fly from the Anvil"
Rafael López Vázquez, "Fists Held High"
Short Reading Exercises
Isidoro Ocampo, "Be a Pioneer"
Anonymous, "The Union"
Jesús Morales, "The Worker's Home"
Luis Arenal, "Summer"
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