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

By Paul Avrich

Book Overview

Based on extensive interviews with former pupils and teachers, this Pulitzer Prize-nominated work is a seminal and important investigation into the potential of educational alternatives. Between 1910 and 1960 anarchists across the United States established more than 20 schools wherein children studied in an atmosphere of freedom and self-reliance. The Modern Schools stood in sharp contrast to the formality and discipline of the traditional classroom and sought to abolish all forms of authority. Their object was to create not only a new type of school, but also a new society based on the voluntary cooperation of free individuals. Among the participants were Emma Goldman, Margaret Sanger, Alexander Berkman and Man Ray.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1904859097
• ISBN13: 9781904859093
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: AK Press
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

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".