The Oxford Book of Schooldays

"School", wrote Henry Green, "is no odder than the world outside, only more concentrated." It is also an experience that everyone has to undergo, and many people have left accounts of their schooldays inspired either by repugnance or regret. Drawing on fiction, memoirs, autobiography, poetry and letters, this anthology presents an enthralling selection of attitudes to schools and schooling. All manner of institutions are described, from village schools to state comprehensives, charity schools, public schools, private schools and grammar schools, with some (usually) fond reminiscences of primary schools for good measure. Pupils and teachers have their say, Miss Jean Brodie alongside Dr Arnold, Winston Churchill rubbing shoulders with Nicholas Nickleby. Through it all run the anarchic exploits of the heroes and heroines of the school story - Billy Bunter and the Greyfriars mob, Stalky & Co, William Brown, Tom Brown, and the creations of T.B. Reed and Angela Brazil.