1925. Howard writes in her Foreword: This little book, that is trying to discover America to the Americans, has been some time in the making. It was started as a result of a few graphic words from a lecturer on the birth of the letter A. That was its beginning. An impelling force has carried it on. I have been greatly helped by the beautiful encouragement of my mother, who thought the book was needed. Even now, though she has joined the Great Majority, she has not forgotten the little book, which is still writing itself. Her gentle influence still guides me. Her thought that there was a demand for the book has sustained me.