Publisher's Synopsis
The translators of this book in their preface state in a concise way the theme of this book: "This little book, the fruit of a long experience and a really sympathetic heart, combined with a courage such as often invites martyrdom, is a protest against mechanical methods in the general relationship of teacher and pupil." The book is a plea for a closer sympathetic relationship between teacher and pupil. "Love, patience, confidence" are the ideals toward which every teacher should strive, and according to the author these virtues were embodied in highest perfection in Pestalozzi, who has been celebrated as the father of modern education. "He was a wretched schoolmaster judged from the standpoint of the modern art of education, but he was magnificent in love, in patience and in truth."
The book does not add particularly to our knowledge of the art of teaching, but emphasizes the element of individuality in both teachers and pupils, as against the "system" and "uniformity" so prominent in our public schools of today.
-American Physical Education Review, Volume 18
