Originally published in 1970, this volume provides a survey of the wide field of the development of education since 1800.

The book is structured as follows:

Part One: The General Development of Popular Education

English Elementary Education, the Development of Primary Education, English Secondary Education

Part Two: Specific Topics in Education

Independent, Private and Public Schools, Technical and Technological Education, The Universities, Teacher Training, Further and Adult Education, The Youth Services

Part Three: Educational Thinkers

Johann Friedrich Herbart (1776-1841), Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852), Froebelianism and Montessori, John Dewey (1859-1952).