The Thread That Runs So True: A Mountain School Teacher Tells His Story [Paperback]

Jesse Stuart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1950

First published in 1949, Jesse Stuart's now classic personal account of his twenty years of teaching in the mountain region of Kentucky has enchanted and inspired generations of students and teachers. With eloquence and wit, Stuart traces his twenty-year career in education, which began, when he was only seventeen years old, with teaching grades one through eight in a one-room schoolhouse. Before long Stuart was on a path that made him principal and finally superintendent of city and county schools. The road was not smooth, however, and Stuart faced many challenges, from students who were considerably older -- and bigger -- than he to well-meaning but distrustful parents, uncooperative administrators and, most daunting, his own fear of failure. Through it all, Stuart never lost his abiding faith in the power of education. A graceful ode to what he considered the greatest profession there is, Jesse Stuart's The Thread That Runs So True is timeless proof that "good teaching is forever and the teacher is immortal."

Editorial Reviews

Review

Chicago Sun Stuart's joy for living illuminates every page.

Kirkus Reviews A lively, sometimes gripping, story of endurance and dedicated perseverance. Definitely worthwhile reading.

The Nation An entertaining book by a born storyteller.

Harriette Arnow The New York Times Readable and entertaining...He speaks eloquently of the many injustices in educational opportunity that arise from poverty, both in the individual and the unit of government under which he lives.

About the Author

Jesse Stuart worked his way through Lincoln Memorial and Vanderbilt Universities, and taught school in his native Kentucky. He lectured at various colleges and universities until 1954, when he suffered a near-fatal heart attack. After his recovery, he returned to writing, lecturing, and farming. As a specialist for the U.S. Department of State, he traveled around the world, and he served as a visiting lecturer and professor at the American University in Cairo in 1960-61. His work includes nearly thirty books, ranging from poetry to biography, autobiography, novels, and short stories. Jesse Stuart died in 1984.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; 1st Touchstone Ed edition (January 1, 1950)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684719045
• ISBN-13: 978-0684719047
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,181 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Educators
  • #74 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Regional U.S. > South

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For Teachers and Administrators, December 6, 1999

By 

"phlange" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Thread That Runs So True: A Mountain School Teacher Tells His Story (Paperback)

I happened upon this fine autobiography one day while browsing through the library at West Middle School where I am a 7th grade teacher. I don't even remember what drew me to this book, but some form of "magic" must have been involved, because its enchantment is still on me. I hold this book in such high regard that I have read it to my classes over the years. I don't recall one student ever asking me to stop reading it. The stories of this fine man's life are intriguing and in many ways unbelieveable! "Thread" chronicles Jesse Stewart's career as a teacher/principal/superintendent of schools in rural Kentucky. He not only fought for the rights of his fellow teachers, but also the rights of his students. He believed that an education would set any man or woman free, especially those he taught inKentucky's hills and hollows. This book should be read by every teacher. It should be required reading for every principal and school superintendent in this fine country of ours. Do yourself a favor and buy this book.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is what teaching is all about, January 7, 2000

By 

Norma Hunter - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Thread That Runs So True: A Mountain School Teacher Tells His Story (Paperback)

This is the best book I have read about teaching. It is inspirational as well as entertaining. . Jesse Stuart knew how to teach children in such a way that they wanted to learn. His approach to education was one of making learning practical as well as fun. He also instilled in them a pride for themselves and for their school. The Thread That Runs So True should be required reading for every teacher education program in the United States.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable Autobiography, December 14, 2000

By 

Amy (Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Thread That Runs So True: A Mountain School Teacher Tells His Story (Paperback)

The Thread That Runs So True was a marvelously written autobiography with much meaning. Jesse Stuart wonderfully depicted his life as a school teacher. Somewhat near the beginning of the book, the written meaning of the title is revealed when Stuart is singing a song containing the words. The thread that runs so true is play, which is emphasized throughout the book. Yet, there is a more meaningful lesson taught. Contextually, it is evident that the thread is also the teaching profession itself. Stuart's thread would most likely be the country life. After being a successful teacher and administrator, traveling abroad, and numerous other ventures, he returns to his Kentucky home and farms sheep. This is fantastic for almost any audience, students, teachers, and those who were once either or both. It is filled with unbelievable experiences from Stuart physically fighting his students to him being shot at for dating a particular lady. In the case of good fiction, you must remind yourself that the events didn't actually happen. In reading this book, I learned that with the most interesting non-fiction, you must realize that the events actually did occur.