Procrustes : or, The future of English education

A compelling examination of the English schooling system, this work opens by invoking the myth of Procrustes to question whether modern education forces every child into a uniform mould. Drawing on contemporary debates, it juxtaposes the arguments of prominent figures who champion both universal instruction and selective cultivation of talent, exposing the tensions between democratic ideals and practical realities. The author scrutinizes the prevailing belief that mass education alone can sustain a thriving democracy, suggesting that well‑intentioned policies may overlook individual capacities and long‑term societal needs.

Through a blend of historical anecdote and sharp analysis, the book maps the current shortcomings of elementary and secondary schools while outlining tentative pathways for future reform. It invites listeners to reconsider the balance between broad accessibility and specialized nurture, urging a more nuanced approach to shaping the next generation of learners.