Beyond Rhetoric

While John Dewey is an icon of American education and his work object of comprehensive

studies, this book ventures to fill gaps that have been neglected by previous research.

In particular, it opens new perspectives on Dewey’s theory of curriculum, his concept of

democratic education, his role as an administrator and the extent to which his philosophy

of education coincided with the practice of the Laboratory School teachers. Thus, the

author joins the ranks of those who strive to historicize Dewey’s pragmatist pedagogy

and contextualize his celebrated school experiment.

Drawing on new archival research and dozens of overlooked sources, Knoll offers numerous

insights into what was and was not original in Dewey’s pedagogy, and to what degree

Dewey and his associates were successful in faithfully implementing his complicated

vision. This is Dewey scholarship at its very best!

Thomas Fallace, author of Dewey and the Dilemma of Race

“While many historians have chronicled the growth of John Dewey’s educational philosophy,

very few have traced in detail its application by Dewey in the real world. In this

superb critical study of Deweyan educational reform, Michael Knoll does both. At once

a tour de force and a cautionary tale.”

Andrew Feffer, author of The Chicago Pragmatists and American Progressivism

“Michael Knoll’s meticulous archival research places Dewey’s work both in the long

sweep of the history of educational ideas and in the context of Dewey’s historical moment.

Knoll highlights significant transatlantic currents in the New Education, illuminates misunderstood

or overlooked episodes in Dewey’s lifework, and humanizes Dewey. Knoll’s

findings and interpretations will challenge scholars to reassess prevailing perspectives

not only on Dewey’s work, but also on early 20th century education reform in the US.”

William G. Wraga, author of Progressive Pioneer: Alexander James Inglis

(1879¬–1924) and American Secondary Education