Charles Madison Curry was an American educator, author, and literary scholar who specialized in English literature and children's education during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in Whiteland, Indiana, in 1869, Curry dedicated much of his professional life to teaching and academic leadership. He served as a Professor of English and Literature at the Indiana State Normal School, which later became Indiana State University. His lasting legacy at the institution includes composing the lyrics for the school's official Alma Mater in 1925.\n\nBeyond his work in higher education, Curry made significant contributions to the field of elementary education and children's literacy. He was a dedicated reviewer and author of children's literature, focusing on structured reading materials for young students. In 1903, he edited Literary Readings: An Introduction to the Study of Literature, a compilation designed to foster literary appreciation. His most notable collaborative project was the Holton-Curry Reader, co-created with Martha Adelaide Holton. Published by Rand McNally in 1914, this comprehensive eight-volume basal reader became a staple for elementary grades, helping to shape early reading curricula in the United States.
