MACMILLAN America's Early Montessorians: Anne George, Margaret Naumburg, Helen Parkhurst and Adelia Pyle (Historical Studies in Education)

This book traces the early history of the Montessori movement in the United States through the lives and careers of four key American women: Anne George, Margaret Naumburg, Helen Parkhurst, and Adelia Pyle. Caught up in the Montessori craze sweeping the United States in the Progressive era, each played a significant role in the initial transference of Montessori education to America and its implementation from 1910 to 1920. Despite the continuing international recognition of Maria Montessori and the presence of Montessori schools world-wide, Montessori receives only cursory mention in the history of education, especially by recognized historians in the field and in courses in professional education and teacher preparation. The authors, in seeking to fill this historical void, integrate institutional history with analysis of the interplay and tensions between these four women to tell this educational story in an interesting―and often dramatic―way.     Review “The new volume is an impressive compendium of archival research, consolidating and critiquing past scholarship, yet woven through an entertaining sequence of biography and narrative. It will appeal to readers on all those levels.” (Peter Cunningham, Educational Review, February 11, 2021) Review “This robust monograph provides an in-depth examination of four of the early directresses who trained with the formidable Maria Montessori. The research contributes to Montessori scholarship, educational history, and women’s history by exploring the unique women who carried out the Montessori method and the relationships that enabled Montessori’s vision to gain some purchase in the United States. Readers interested in Montessori’s legacy will find this useful and original book a pleasure to read.” ― Lucy E. Bailey, Director of Gender and Women’s Studies, Oklahoma State University, USA From the Back Cover This book traces the early history of the Montessori movement in the United States through the lives and careers of four key American women: Anne George, Margaret Naumburg, Helen Parkhurst, and Adelia Pyle. Caught up in the Montessori craze sweeping the United States in the Progressive era, each played a significant role in the initial transference of Montessori education to America and its implementation from 1910 to 1920. Despite the continuing international recognition of Maria Montessori and the presence of Montessori schools world-wide, Montessori receives only cursory mention in the history of education, especially by recognized historians in the field and in courses in professional education and teacher preparation. The authors, in seeking to fill this historical void, integrate institutional history with analysis of the interplay and tensions between these four women to tell this educational story in an interesting―and often dramatic―way.  About the Author Gerald L. Gutek is Professor Emeritus of Education and History at Loyola University Chicago, USA, where he was also the Dean of the School of Education. His previous books include New Perspectives on Philosophy and Education (2009). Patricia A. Gutek is an editor, travel writer, and independent scholar whose previous book co-authored with Gerald Gutek, Bringing Montessori to America (2016), was a 2016 Choice Outstanding Academic Title.