This book treats the subject of education in colonial America in so broad and diverse a fashion that it is, in effect, a history of American culture from 1607 to 1783. Professor Cremin begins by describing the intellectual heritage from which early American society drew its ideas and attitudes and then proceeds to analyze the interaction of education with society, politics, religion, and culture in England and America. He then goes on to describe the influence of the revolutions of 1689, discusses the bearing of denominationalism, utilitarianism, and republicanism on educational thought and practice, and explores the role of education in the movement for independence. A work of major and enduring historical importance, the present volume is the first of a three-volume history of American education.