Splendid collection of miscellaneous essays, speeches, and other
writings viewing and reviewing the condition of teaching in
America. Booth (English/U. of Chicago; The Rhetoric of Fiction, The
Company We Keep) is typically erudite, wry, learned, and finally
very serious in this generous address to all those, especially
teachers and would-be teachers, concerned firsthand with American
education. Booth's thesis is that American education is indeed
under siege, even "in crisis," but unlike his colleague Allan Bloom
he sees silver lingings rather than clouds. He recounts 20 years of
classroom pleasures and frustrations; evaluates minutely his own
flaws and virtues as an instructor; recalls student victories
rather than defeats; and weaves humorous anecdotes out of austere
"occasions" in the name of showing the resiliency of American
education, and those who practice it. He also, unlike Bloom, makes
practical recommendations for improving education: raising
teachers' salaries; giving some of them tax breaks; forming a
National Teachers' Corps, a la the Peace Corps, to tackle the Big
Problems. As for what and how to teach, Booth plays up the
potential lessons of his own specialty - rhetoric - as a true
life-subject, relating it, for example, to feminism and science.
Finally, he reminds in an increasingly technical age of the crucial
role of English as the last bastion of truly free critical thinking
in the American university, and pleads for broader recognition
among university officials of its central role in the curriculum.
Smashing defense of a noble profession, and a brilliant program of
ideas for America's educational future. (Kirkus Reviews)
This critically acclaimed collection is both a passionate
celebration of teaching as a vocation and an argument for rhetoric
as the center of liberal education. While Booth provides an
eloquent personal account of the pleasures of teaching, he also
vigorously exposes the political and economic scandals that
frustrate even the most dedicated educators. [Booth] is unusually
adept at addressing a wide variety of audiences. From deep in the
heart of this academic jungle, he shows a clear eye and a firm
step.--Alison Friesinger Hill, New York Times Book Review A cause
for celebration. . . . What an uncommon man is Wayne Booth. What an
uncommon book he has provided for our reflection.--James Squire,
Educational Leadership This book stands as a vigorous reminder of
the traditional virtues of the scholar-teacher.--Brian Cox, Times
Literary Supplement
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