hornbook

noun

Etymology: From horn + book.

1. A single page containing the alphabet, covered with a sheet of transparent horn, formerly used for teaching children to read.

   “Yes, yes, he teaches boyes the Horne-Booke: […]”

   “HO′RNBOOK. n.ʃ. [horn and book] The firſt book of children, covered vvith horn to keep it unſoiled.”

2. A legal textbook that provides a basic overview of a particular area of law.