This critically acclaimed collection is both a passionate celebration of teaching as a vocation and an argument for rhetoric as the center of liberal education. While Booth provides an eloquent personal account of the pleasures of teaching, he also vigorously exposes the political and economic scandals that frustrate even the most dedicated educators. "[Booth] is unusually adept at addressing a wide variety of audiences. From deep in the heart of this academic jungle, he shows a clear eye and a firm step."—Alison Friesinger Hill, New York Times Book Review "A cause for celebration. . . . What an uncommon man is Wayne Booth. What an uncommon book he has provided for our reflection."—James Squire, Educational Leadership "This book stands as a vigorous reminder of the traditional virtues of the scholar-teacher."—Brian Cox, Times Literary Supplement   A collection of speeches and papers by one of America's most distinguished rhetoricians, or as he calls himself, "teacher of English." The final piece, the 1987 Ryerson Lecture delivered before the faculty of the University of Chicago, is, in itself, worth the price of the book. The19 selections are about equally divided among issues relating to teaching and scholarship in the humanities, the larger issues of the state of American higher education and the future of the liberal arts, and sketches of teachers whom Booth feels represent the finest in academe. Booth speaks candidly and has much to criticize about the quality of teaching in our universities. The clarity of his reasoning and the passion of his convictions are most compelling. His analysis of curricular reform is essential reading. A refreshing "visit" with a teacher of vision; heartily recommended. - Richard H. Quay, Miami Univ . Libs., Oxford, Ohio Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. 'A treasure trove of those concerns closest to our teaching hearts. One can open it at almost any place and find food for rumination and reflection.' William A. Reinsmith, College Teaching. Wayne C. Booth (1921–2005) was the George M. Pullman Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in English Language and Literature at the University of Chicago.  His many books include The Rhetoric of Fiction and For the Love of It: Amateuring and Its Rivals , both published by the University of Chicago Press.