The Modern School Movement: Anarchism and Education in the United States

by Paul Avrich

Book Overview

In this comprehensive study of the Modern School movement, Paul Avrich narrates its history, analyzes its successes and failures, and assesses its place in American life. In doing so, he shows how the radical experimentation in art and communal living as well as in education during this period set the precedent for much of the artistic, social, and educational ferment of the 1960's and I970's. Originally published in 1980. The Princeton Legacy Library...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691046697
• ISBN13: 9780691046693
• Release Date: July 1980
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 463 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Must-Read Book for People Interested in Progressive Education

Avrich expertly tells the tale of anarchist free schools in the U.S. by focusing on the interesting personalities that propelled the movement. He's such a good writer that this book feels like a "quick read" even at 400 pages. Anyone interested in radical and anarchist history would appreciate The Modern School Movement. One of its particular strengths is to highlight the constructive and nuturing aspects of a political movement that is popularly associated with bomb-throwing and chaos. Also, any parent or teacher who needs inspiration about alternative education will find a lot to think about. In our age of high-stakes testing and regimented schooling, we need visions of how education could truly serve to create independent and creative human beings. Highly recommended for readers who have enjoyed John Taylor Gatto's "Dumbing Us Down" or A. S. Neill's "Summerhill".