Jedidiah Morse was a minister in New England who was also one of the first geographers to write books on geography for young readers. While teaching at a school for young women, he realized the need for a book on American geography for children in the new nation, and published his first geography book in 1784. Many other titles followed, including this example, which is covered in printed dark green patterned paper that has been torn away in spots, revealing the wooden covers of the book underneath. Morse was the father of Samuel F.B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph.