Jane and Elsie Melville were raised by their kindly but eccentric uncle, Mr Hogarth who believed that women were just as good as men, and thus gave his nieces a boy's education. Upon his death, they find that he has left his entire fortune to his heretofore unknown son and left them only a small allowance, expecting them to make their own way in the world using the education he furnished them. Will the girls survive in a world that expects them, at the most, to become governesses? (summary by Karen Savage)

"Plea for Ragged Schools; or, Prevention Better than Cure" by Thomas Guthrie is a compelling call to action advocating for the establishment of ragged schools to provide education for impoverished children. Guthrie emphasizes the importance of prevention over cure, arguing that addressing the root causes of poverty through education can lead to lasting change in society. This timeless message resonates today as we continue to grapple with issues of inequality and access to education. By highlighting the transformative power of learning, Guthrie's work remains relevant and inspiring, urging listeners to reflect on the impact of education in shaping a better future for all.

Jane and Elsie Melville were raised by their kindly but eccentric uncle, Mr Hogarth who believed that women were just as good as men, and thus gave his nieces a boy's education. Upon his death, they find that he has left his entire fortune to his heretofore unknown son and left them only a small allowance, expecting them to make their own way in the world using the education he furnished them. Will the girls survive in a world that expects them, at the most, to become governesses? (summary by Karen Savage)

Jane and Elsie Melville were raised by their kindly but eccentric uncle, Mr Hogarth who believed that women were just as good as men, and thus gave his nieces a boy's education. Upon his death, they find that he has left his entire fortune to his heretofore unknown son and left them only a small allowance, expecting them to make their own way in the world using the education he furnished them. Will the girls survive in a world that expects them, at the most, to become governesses? (summary by Karen Savage)