State, Society, and the Elementary School in Imperial Germany [Hardcover]

The much admired school system of 19th-century Germany served as a model for the educational systems of many other countries, including Britain and the United States. In this illuminating study of German primary schools, Lamberti examines an educational tradition that was the object of wide emulation, but which was often misinterpreted by its admirers. Lamberti also explores the political significance of German educational policies in the Kulturkampf, in the suppression of Polish nationalism in the eastern provinces, and more generally in the struggle between the competing strands of liberalism and authoritarianism in the German state.

An important and provocative book that challenges much recent scholarship on elementary education in Imperial Germany. --Journal of Interdisciplinary History

Will become [a] standard work. --Journal of Modern History

Thoughtful and well-researched. --History of Education Quarterly

Contains extremely valuable new information and an intelligent, balanced analysis. --The Historian

A very good book. Its theme is significant, clearly stated, closely reasoned, and well researched...This book tells us a great deal more about German society other than the schools at the turn of the century, so much so that it deserves to be read widely, both within and outside of the profession. --German Studies Review

Lamberti has successfully tackled a complicated an important subject...A thorough and well-documnted study that makes a major contribution toward understanding the tensions within German society. --American Historical Review