A Ministry of Enthusiasm: Centenary Essays on the Workers' Educational Association

With contributions from practitioners and scholars in adult education, 'A Ministry of Enthusiasm' sets the WEA in its historical and social context, tracing its development, and asks key questions about the provision of adult education today. Has it become a middle-class movement? Is it an instrument of social change or is it an academic institution along classical lines? Is it an autonomous voluntary organisation or has it become an arm of the state educational service? The contributors provide answers to these questions from a variety of perspectives. "This book offers an overview of the important themes in the WEA's history and relates the past to the present and future of the association. More importantly it shows just how valuable a contribution the WEA has made to lifelong learning." Tony Blair, from the foreword