This book examines the methods, materials, outcomes, and technologies of past literacy practice, with special focus on the teaching of reading comprehension. The book presents a study of published texts on reading comprehension instruction in America in the "preresearch" period (1783-1910), as well as published research reports from 1910 through 1987. The book argues that many of the trends in comprehension instruction can be traced to developments in American psychology and looks at future directions for both the practitioner and the researcher. A review of all the studies focused on reading comprehension instruction discussed in the book and an alphabetical listing by author of each study are included in the appendixes. (KEH)