The New England Primer was the first educational book printed for use specifically in the American colonies.

It was first published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Benjamin Harris between 1687 and 1690.

Puritan in orientation, the Primer used the King James Bible, along with current religious thinking, to teach basic spelling and reading.

This sample illustrates its serious tone.

T: Time cuts down all both great and small.
U: Uriah's beauteous wife made David seek his life.
W: Whales in the sea God's voice obey.
X: Xerxes the great did die, and so must you & I.
Y: Youth forward slips death soonest nips.
Z: Zacheus he did climb the tree his Lord to see.