The Education of Henry Adams records the struggle of Bostonian Henry Adams (1838-1918), in early old age, to come to terms with the dawning 20th century, so different from the world of his youth. It is also a sharp critique of 19th century educational theory and practice. It was the winner of a 1919 Pulitzer Prize.
The Education is an important work of American literary nonfiction. It provides a penetrating glimpse into the intellectual and political life of the late 19th century.
Homeschoolers value The Education because it makes a strong case against the regimented Prussian-style schooling used by American and European school systems. He preferred a self-directed approach of a kind that had predominated before 1850 and that relied on reading, discussion, reflection, and experience.
