Battledores superseded the use of hornbooks as a popular reading tool for children and were widely in use by the mid to late-eighteenth century. Although Battledores had an emphasis on the alphabet and some maintained a "paddle-like" appearance, they differed from hornbooks in several ways. Battledores were not as sturdy as hornbooks because they were often made of cheap wood or a stiff, folded piece of cardboard. They generally lacked the presence of the Lord's Prayer and other religious material and tended to have a larger printing size. The success of the Battledore was due in part to the addition of illustrations and more entertaining material for children.

Please click the examples to enjoy larger versions of the Battledores:


The Uncle's Present, A New Battledoor.
PZ5 .E2 2

Landmarks in the Early History and Development of Books for Children
by Charles Welsh.
028.5 W465l