This is a book that really should be read by the layman, specially parents. Pestalozzi was one among many human beings who came to this Planet and did his best in order to help mankind to move ahead in terms of social and moral progress. For him education is the main tool that will drive one to be fully integrated as well as an active participant of his own community. Many scholars and educational expertise throughout the world have written so much about his ideas and teachings. Nevertheless, it sounds like most of them give too much importance to the technical aspects of a structured method, and forget about the simplicity and the essential point in his teachings. According to his ideas the family is an undeniable path to acquire education in a wide sense. A healthy family will enable one to reach "the satisfaction of natural wants that creates inner peace" and as the author of this book enphasizes "develops unconsciously the child's capacities for love, confidence, gratitude, even before the notions of obligation and duty are understood." His method actually relies basically on family values under a perception of a true relationship among its members, all guided by a true sense of love. His precept "Love is the eternal basis of education" gives the direction to be followed on the parents' effort to help the child on his moral development. "The child must be educated to be not only a skilled laborer, or an artisan, or a scholar, but a satisfactory husband to his wife, father to his son, citizen of his country. He must be able in his particular place in the community to be self-reliant and to help the others", reinforces the author. Pestalozzi also understood the profound influence and the very important role that religion plays in the educational process, although he did not take any formal religion for grant but acknowledged the importance of a true Christianity, undrstanding this to be "not only a doctrine but also a way of life". In his thinkings the relationship which exists between mother and child will develop in the latters's soul the idea of God. From that perspective Pestalozzi believed that "the feelings of love, trust, gratitude and the readiness to obey must be developed im me before I can apply them to God. I must love men, trust men, thank men, and obey men before I can aspire to love, trust, thank, and obey God. Although the author struggles to fully interpret Pestalozzi's method and often points to some incorrectness perpetrated by the schoolmaster, which makes the reading a little tough, this book allow us to take our own trip through a moving story and make our own interpretation and decision about guiding our sons. The Pestalozzi's ideas on education matter, undoubtedly is an ifficient remedy for the societies' illness that still reigns in our days. Unfortulately this is an out of print book and one has to struggle to death in order to buy it. Anyhow, it is worth trying.

Gutek's "Pestalozzi and Education" is a well written and interesting book.

The author writes about the political, social, economic, and intellectual settings of Pestalozzi's time. Througout the book Gutek summarizes Pestalozzi's life and work very well. Finally, he brings up some good points in "Attitudianl Dimension" (the last part of the book.) about education.

Unfortunately, the author often does not base his statements on primary sources. He normally uses English translations, which were published in the beginning until the middle of 20th century. -- There were many new and very helpful publications about Pestalozzi and his methods in 1980's and 90's in Germany and Switzerland. Moreover, Pestalozzi's writing was completely republished at the end of 20th century. -- For understanding Pestalozzi's ideas and methods, there is a real need for more information and specific quoatations of Pestalozzi's writing. Consequently, the consideration of the new publications about Pestalozzi as well as the revised editions of his writings is necessary.

For example, Liedtke`s monography about Pestalozzi is an excellent researched and written book about the educator's life and work. This publication is probably the most helpful introduction into Pestalozzi's life and work. Prof. Dr. A. Reble's editing of "Wie Gertud ihre Kinder lehrt" gives an opportunity for reading some of Pestalozzi's original publications. The unique and sometimes a little bit chaotic writing of J. H. Pestalozzi is published by "Julius Klinkhardt Verlag", Bad Heilbrunn, Germany. People, who are interested in knowing more about Pestalozzi's spiritual life, should read "Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi: Der Mut des Demütigen: Worte zum Glauben" -- written by Hermann Horn (ISBN 3-290-10995-X). This publication gives some insights about the belief and worldview of the Swiss educator. All these publications have been sold by Amazon, Germany.

In summary, Gutek's book is a good introduction into Pestalozzi's life and methods of teaching that is recommanded by the writer of this book review. Gutek's publication is a stimulating approach towards the life and work of this pioneer of modern education. Nevertheless, there is a need for a completion to this publication for giving a real overview about Pestalozzi's methods of education, life work and struggles.