The textbook was Warriner’s English Grammar and Composition. We diagrammed sentences and did exercises identifying parts of speech and other basics that few students today ever learn.

It is no surprise that the book can still be found in many households. Typically, the Wren & Martin High School English Grammar And Composition Book has a red-cover and around 400 pages.

In fact, I still have Warriner’s English Grammar and Composition (Harcourt, Brace & World, 1951). I was reminded of my experience by an essay tracing the rise and fall of grammar instruction ...