Excerpt discussing the handwriting of William Shakespeare including examples of his signature. According to a note at the end of the pamphlet: "The foregoing pages are copied by permission from a very interesting pamphlet published by W. H. Burr, of Washington, D.C., under the title 'Shakespeare Could Not Write.'" Document published by Wm. Henry Burr which discusses Shakespeare's signatures.

The pamphlet discusses the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, an organization promoting the habits of reading; study in nature, art, and science; and scholarship in secular and scared literature. This organization was a "home college," offering four year programs, local circles for discussion, and summer meetings. Information on this organization, fees, and course descriptions are presented in this pamphlet.