If the reader has had a public school education then this book is probably ‘a huge enjoyable read’ as recommended by one reviewer, on the other hand if the reader is a member of the majority of the British population who have not had the same educational advantage of the public school, then they are more likely to agree with the reviewer who labelled this book as ‘an enraged polemic’, and to empathise totally with the author.
The history of public schools is described from the fourteenth century until the Golden Age of the British Empire and forward to the present government, and explains why Great Britain has always been controlled by a powerful and exclusive group of privately educated people.
The book is full of interesting facts such as how public schools are an exclusive social market place, a network for the rich and famous. It is also fascinating to realise that certain professions that could be taken by these pupils, such as scientists, doctors, teachers, probation officers, inventors, social workers etc. are not followed. The careers pursued are all concerned with wealth and power.
How modern Britain is governed by this very exclusive group, handing out awards and peerages to other exclusive people, and receiving donations from very suspect sources, is seen as a symptom of a corrupt and slowly eroding democracy. This book makes an excellent case for change in the whole educational system.
Maureen Ball (July 2021)
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Rosa Jane Devlin
Hi, I recently self published a novel, ‘Snowflakes,’ by R.J.Devlin, ISBN 9781838496203, based on my experiences as an eco protestor, bender site dweller and Bristol squatter during the ’90s. The Bristol Archives at B Bond Warehouse, Smeaton Road, Bristol have agreed to add a copy of my book to their archives, they are part of the library service and keep the local history materials there. The Archive section suggested that I ask the library services to include my novel so that it can be borrowed as the local history archive is reference only so can be consulted but can’t be taken home so I will be doing that. I have also just forwarded a copy of my book to Freedom Press Bookshop, who are hoping to stock it in their bookshop subject to a read over, so in future it may be available via Freedom Press.