Finding the Words: The Education of James O. Freedman

Description

Presents an account of the first 27 years of a astonishing trajectory in a life made difficult by depression, but sustained throughout by a love of books and learning. This book depicts the formative years of a man nourished by lifelong learning, whose rise from humble beginnings to heights of achievement serves as a model for generations to come.

James O. Freedman was President of Dartmouth College from 1987 to 1998. His books include "Liberal Education and the Public Interest" and "Idealism and Liberal Education".

"While the book traces in powerful and affecting language Freedman's personal journey--from isolated, self-doubting, New Hampshire Jew to accomplished Yale Law School graduate--it also paints a broader equally affecting picture of the timeless power of education in such a transformation... Beyond its heartfelt lessons, the book offers a joyful reading experience... As he was in life, Freedman, in his posthumously published memoir, remains a passionate advocate of the power of ideas and the importance of a liberal arts education in a society that can only thrive and survive if its discourse is civilized and informed."--Bill Pruden, National Association for College Admission Counseling "The best reason to read Finding the Words is to sample Freedman's insatiable passion for reading and learning... The portrait of Freedman that emerges from Finding the Words is of a shy young man who built a persona out of books."--Alex Hanson, The Valley News "Beyond its heartfelt lessons, the book offers a joyful reading experience. Whether paying homage to the memorable teachers whose influence proved to be life long or recalling with obvious delight the books and authors that opened up new worlds for a shy boy with big ears, on page after page, Freedman, as the title suggests, finds the words that illustrate, in the most human terms, the power and importance of education for both a society and its citizens."--Bill Pruden, NACAC News