Subject
Endowed public schools (Great Britain) Books
Best books
John Stephen Farmer
The Public School Word-book A conribution to to a historical glossary of words phrases and turns of expression obsolete and in current use peculiar to our great public schools together with some that have been or are modish at the universities
"The Public School Word-book" by John Stephen Farmer is a descriptive glossary compiled around the late 19th century. This work serves as a collection of words, phrases, and expressions unique to England's public schools, providing historical context for those terms and illustrating their usage through quotations from past and contemporary authors. The text is meant to appeal not only to those familiar with these institutions but also to scholars and general readers interested in linguistic development. The opening of this glossary establishes the author's purpose and the scope of the work. Farmer expresses a desire to fill a notable gap in the documentation of school-specific vernacular, clarifying that this is not merely a collection of school slang but a detailed analytical resource. He outlines his method of gathering terms historically and compares them to other established works, emphasizing their significance in understanding English public school customs and language. The approach promises insights into both historical and modern usage as the text introduces a variety of terms relevant to public school life.
Alec Waugh
Public School Life: Boys, Parents, Masters
"Public School Life: Boys, Parents, Masters" by Alec Waugh is a narrative exploration of the experience and culture within the English public school system, likely written in the early 20th century. The work serves as both an analysis and a representation of the realities faced by boys, their parents, and their instructors in this educational context. Waugh aims to break down the romanticized stereotypes often associated with public schools and examines the complex relationship between various stakeholders involved. The opening of the book presents a thoughtful introduction to the dynamics of public school life, highlighting the systemic pressures placed on young boys as they navigate their education and social standing. Waugh reflects on the expectations parents have for their sons and the often tumultuous transition from home to school life, characterizing the initial experiences of new students as filled with anxiety and self-doubt. Through anecdotes and observations, Waugh sets the stage for a deeper critique of the public school environment and explores how individual identity struggles to emerge amidst the rigid structures that define these formative years.
Victor Gollancz
The School and the World
"The School and the World" by Victor Gollancz and D. C. Somervell is an educational treatise written in the early 20th century. The authors reflect on the limitations of traditional public school education, advocating instead for a political education that engages students with contemporary issues and the realities of modern society. The work appears to center on their experiences and experiments in promoting political awareness and discourse among students, challenging the existing pedagogical framework. The opening of the text establishes the context of a political education experiment introduced at a public school, which sought to engage students in discussions about modern political issues and to cultivate a more holistic approach to education. The authors outline their intentions and the initial success of their endeavors, highlighting the formation of a "Politics Class" where students voluntarily engaged in discussions about current events and relevant historical contexts. They also address the resistance faced from other educators and the eventual collapse of their initiative, emphasizing the need for a more dynamic and inclusive educational model that encourages critical thinking over rote memorization. This exploration reflects a broader commentary on the necessity of modernizing educational practices in alignment with the rapidly changing political landscape of the time.
Recently surfaced classics