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Summary: A subtle hand on the till
Review: Henry James breathes expansively with a lucid and comfortable narration. A wonderful voice that rings through early manhood, secretary to the ambasador to Great Britan during the American civil war. The ambassador was his father. He provides a tour of his time, the development of his own mind and the influence of others. Intimate and expansive. For me this was a wonderful book. If you enjoy history, good writing and character of voice the Education is the thing.
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Summary: One of the most boring books I've ever read
Review: I acquired this book in high school or college and never read it. I kept it around because it appears on lists of must read books. God knows why, the footnotes are an interesting chronology of american history but Adam's false humility, while name-dropping references to art, literature, economics,politics, statesmen,etc. but never discussing any of these areas becomes extremely tedious. I struggled through to the end but never could discover a reason to read the book or a reason why the book is touted so highly as necessary to be truly "educated". Adams, himself, would have been a fascinating person to know but he is a collossal bore to read.
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Summary: Stupid Teachers.....show some respect to Mr. Adams
Review: I can only laugh, to hear the reports of students being required to read Adams. If there is one thing I am certain, it is that Adams would not appreciate being assigned. "The Education" is intended for those real students whose *desire* is learning. I put special emphasis on *desire*, not for the sake of being pompous, but to distinguish this type of desire as being self-motivated. Adams "Education" is a tremendous rebuttal to the ordinary, institutionalized education. There is little doubt as to the socio-economic benefits and sensibilities of formal education, but one should also recognize its inherent limitations. People seldom enjoy what they are forced to do! Adams' "Education" is not to be read as a classic, or because well-read people discuss it over coffee...rather, read it because you're curious. If you've forgotten that school and education are distinct, let Mr. Adams show you the difference. And well meaning teachers of the world.....Phuhleease, don't require Mr. Adams, as you will ruin the experience. --One last note; I think the other reviewers miss the boat when they call Adams cynical and depressing. This is not cynicism, but wit-big difference. For cynicism see Sinclair Lewis' Babbit(which you shouldnt assign either I might add). As far as depressing, I just don't get that at all. It was patently obvious to this reader that Mr. Adams' high-mindedness and detachment were toungue and cheek. In writing his "Education" Mr. Adams, no doubt, enjoyed himself...and while reading it, so will you.
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Summary: This book was the reason I stopped being a history major
Review: I can't get any more descriptive than that...it put me to sleep faster than Whitman.
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Summary: A Lively Time Line
Review: I enjoyed this book tremendously, even if many of the references to names and events were beyond my little intellect. I was most impressed how this one man was able to connect the colonial period to the beginning of the technological age, showing it all to be one continuum. The book made me see the link between events of the 1800s to what is happening now. It was difficult to read but well worth the effort.
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Summary: EDUCATION is more pertinent today than when it was written.
Review: I first read EDUCATION in graduate school. The book has a great deal of interesting commentary on events of Adams' times. The touch-and-go in England to prevent aid to the South is one example. The autobiographical and historical commentary alone make the book worthwhile. Adams' discussion of the Virgin and the dynamo, however, are even more applicable now than in the early nineteenth century. (Adams also wrote a poem on this theme. It was not in my earlier Modern Library copy, but was reprinted in a journal or book.)
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Summary: Henry Adams -- class act
Review: I picked up this book at the suggestion of an Amazon reader who thought it would complement "The Norman Podhoretz Reader." It does. In some ways this ranks with Ellery Sedgwick's marvelous "In Praise of Gentlemen" but I think it far too democratic for a time where standards are falling. In any event, Adams was a deeply patrician, highly elite member of the best early American society. Breeding tells -- and thank God for the old WASP America. It is disappearing far too fast.
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Summary: After The Fifth Read
Review: I read this book for the first time in the Navy in 1948 and have just read it for the fifth time. I love to read his discriptions of people. Lincoln, Grant, Sumner to name a few. They are very incisive. Some parts are intentionally recondite but promote thought. If I am fortunate I will read it again in a few years.
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Summary: The greatest non-fiction book?
Review: I was intrigued by this book because it is almost universally considered to be the best non-fiction book ever written. I went into the book with an open mind and eagerness but ultimately found myself a bit disappointed. Henry Adams was a member of the preeminent American Adams family (John and John Quincy were his great-grandfather and grandfather). Henry's autobiography follows his uniquely privileged life from childhood through old age as Henry witnesses (and always comments on) the ever-changing American experience and perpetually seeks to refine and further his understanding of the world around him. This relentless pursuit of "education" is the connective theme within the autobiography, as Henry continually considers and reconsiders the rapid scientific, technological, economic and political changes that swept through America and the world during his life. Ultimately, through these experiences and reflections, Henry comes to important conclusions about the role of education, learning and life experiences. This book is filled with historical references and names from Henry's time period, making the book fascinating for someone who is interested in that period (mid 19th to early 20th Centuries). I personally did not find these references interesting and in several cases, I felt confused or lost because I completely missed important references. The strength of the book is Henry's always sharp observation and clever wit. I think this would be a great book for those interested in Henry's time period or for those interested more broadly in American history. As someone with only peripheral interests in these areas, I found the book to be a little bit out of my league. People interested in this historical period will find this book quite rewarding though don't read it simply because it is supposed to be great-- for that would be an affront to Henry's belief in self-motivated education.
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Summary: THE classic American autobiography
Review: If you want to learn more about 19th century America, look no further
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