THE DRAWING TEACHER: A Little Folder of Teaching Projects for the Art Teacher

New York: Binney and Smith, 1944. First Edition. Very good.. Set of 38 monthly lesson plans for school art teachers, each containing a new column ("Intimate Comments in the Field of Art") with an overview of new publications and exhibitions, followed by an illustrated project for schoolchildren with target grade levels, working materials, educational goals, and detailed instructions. Lessons for the older grades tend towards the technical (Figure Drawing; Creating Interesting and Unusual Landscapes; Mural Making), while ideas for younger students are typically thematic and didactic: The Indian Village; Robinson Crusoe; Thanksgiving "to Acquaint Children with the Manners and Customs of the Pilgrims."

The editor's monthly column changes rapidly with the onset of World War II. From the untroubled and apolitical notes of 1932: "'Kultur' in Germany has done what 'Culture' in America has been vainly trying to do for many years. It has abolished the billboard along the countrysides of Prussia, which constitutes two-thirds of the Reich...The Ministry asserts that the re-awakening enthusiasm of German youth for the fatherland is hindered by the presence of 'hideous' outdoor advertising." -- to issues from 1941 and after, noting local programs on "Art Programs and Activities for Wartime" and the first report from the Honolulu Academy of Arts since December 7th, 1941: "Hawaii's museum had been working on plans for over two years, so when the bombs did fall the staff was ready for action...[W]ithin two days after 'Pearl Harbor' a new show was installed."

As the war years continue, editorials spotlight the use of the arts in therapy for disabled soldiers and sailors as part of the Armed Services Program of the Museum of Modern Art; a new "Art in War" feature added to American Artist magazine; March 1943 features a project for third-graders on Living in War-Time, with their own commentary ("Every girl wants to do her share, it is her duty to her country...Uncle Sam needs clean children in his army.") Reporting on Art in Britain, Jacobs writes: "All boys and girls are obliged to work in the arts. The craft work is reserved mostly for the boys, whereas, needlework and domestic arts for the girls...In this country it is almost impossible for us to appreciate what the art class means to shell-shocked children, and those suffering from war-nerves."

Set includes 38 issues, beginning with May 1926 and ending with September-October 1944 (not inclusive).

. Wraps. 38 16mo pamphlets, each a single sheet or double sheet folded in quarters. All issues lightly and uniformly toned, with occasional pen to covers and light foxing/staining to one corner. Moderate scuffing to corners and crease lines, with occasional tears. Very good overall.