The Onward Reciter

The Onward Reciter

The Onward Reciter is a product of the Band of Hope movement in Northern England, specifically Lancashire and Cheshire. Most of the selections were written by “Temperance compositors,” but the book also contains “selections of a more general character from the works of the best authors, hoping by this means to improve the taste, and develope [sic] the literary culture of our readers.” The compiler, William Darrah, sought to balance moral earnestness and entertainment value, hoping that the readings, recitations, and dialogues would be “of a lively and interesting character” but “free from vulgarity and doggrel” and ultimately “all intended to convey some elevating and useful lesson.”

William Darrah

The Onward Reciter Volume I ed. William Darrah (London: W. Tweedie & Co.; Manchester: Lancashire & Cheshire Band of Hope Union, 1872).

1872