THE EDUCATION OF YOUTH AS CITIZENS

by Henry W. Thurston 'B6. RichardR. Smith, N. Y,, 1946; 254 pp.; $3.50.

Training for citizenship is by far the most important activity of the American public schools. Schools are supported by the state largely for this purpose. This book by the late Dr. Thurston is a comprehensive study of the philosophy, psychology, and pedagogy of citizenship training. It is a report bearing the fruits of a lifelong study of, and participation in this field. This book is especially significant because it is practical from the standpoint of teacher use. Concrete projects, specific aims and teaching content bring the lessons of teaching citizenship directly to the classroom teacher.

The range of illustrative material proceeds from the kindergarten through the college, and overflows into the field of adult education.

As a teaching guide he gives one of the best illustrations of John Dewey's "activity" education to be found in the field of citizenship training. To inspire, to inform, to participate, with emphasis on participation, pretty much describe his aims of teaching. My personal feeling is that no teacher of the social studies can afford to be without this book, not only as a teaching aid but as an inspiration to the teacher himself.

DEAD WRONG, by Stewart Sterling '16. J. B.Lippincott Co., 1947; 224 pages; $2.50.

Stewart Sterling, the pseudonym for a member of the class of 19.16, has become a most competent writer of mystery stories. His latest deals with the murder of a Virginia woman in a big New York hotel and before the story ends several others are killed. In his last book, reviewed in these columns, the hero was a Fire Marshall of New York City; in this book the hero is Gil Vine, Chief Security Officer of the hotel. There are more Gil Vine stories promised and I, for one, will be glad to read them.

Gil Vine is a lot brighter than Dick Tracy, who is so "dumb that it hurts, but he is human, "sometimes confused, seldom heroic, and just as unhappy as the next one when circumstances seem stacked against him." In this lively, fast-paced story, his tenacity of purpose pays off, and the murderer is neatly tied with evidence that will stick. The background of the deluxe hostelry is well described and should intrigue the reader.

Recommended.