William Holmes McGuffey created the original McGuffey Readers.

Louise Robinson Lively has written:

'The McGuffey readers' -- subject(s): McGuffey readers

In the 1800s, popular publishers of readers included McGuffey, Harper & Brothers, and George W. Speth. These publishers produced widely used educational readers that were instrumental in shaping literacy and learning during that time period.

McGuffey's Readers fell out of favor due to the changing educational methods and curriculum in schools. The readers were seen as outdated and not aligned with modern teaching practices. Additionally, the readers' heavy focus on moral and religious lessons became less popular as secular education gained prominence.

Marjorie Grace Culbertson has written:

'The McGuffey readers and their influence on modern education and readers' -- subject(s): Readers, History