Customer Reviews

Neill! Neill! Orange Peel! An Autobiography by A. S. Neill, the World-famous Headmaster of Summerhill School

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Whether or not you are familiar with the English School called Summerhill, if you enjoy a good biography, you'll like this book. A student of Jung, A.S.Neil is very famous for his work with children in the field of education. The title of the book comes from a chant some Summerhill students do to make fun of the author's name, something he treasures because Neil sees his role (as head of Summerhill) not as Authoritarian, but as fellow traveler. I found this story of his life to be not only interesting, but touching as well.

I don't think I have ever read a more "honest" autobiography. Neil tells his story in a very matter-of-fact manner, and although he doesn't lay on the schmultz, you nonetheless feel his struggles and triumphs as you join him on his journey/life review. I have given this book out as a gift to several people, and was happy to see that this edition had some new notes from Neil's daughter, who has taken over the running of Summerhill now that Neil is retired.