Literacy Then and Now

“For more than a decade Alice S. Horning’s voice has been preeminent in U.S. higher education regarding the importance of reading in college curricula. With the publication of Literacy Then and Now, Horning increases her presence into the realm of literacy writ large, reminding us that defining and measuring literacy is complex. Educators at all levels, policy makers, parents, and students of literacy will find Horning’s readable book a treasure trove of historical data, useful sources, and essential information. Those who yearn for an informed response to counter the endless cries of ‘literacy crisis’ now have an authoritative place to turn. Arguing that, instead, we are experiencing a literacy ‘transition,’ Horning shares insights as intriguing as her continued influence is assured.”—Martha Townsend, Professor Emerita, University of Missouri
“By looking closely at the Modern Period (1880–1930), Literacy Then and Now helps us better understand what Alice S. Horning calls our ‘contemporary literacy transition’ wherein more than half of Americans are not reading as well as they could—or as well as they must—in order to productively participate in a democracy. Embracing the complexity of the very concept of literacy, Horning explores how literacy was taken up during the Modern Period by religious organizations; colleges and universities; governmental and non-governmental groups; and in K–12 schools. These richly detailed accounts not only yield intriguing insights about the conditions necessary for critical literacy to thrive, but also suggest a unique approach to exploring literacy in our contemporary moment. While others are adamant about the singularity of our digital age, Horning reminds us that history—and the Modern Period, in particular—has a great deal to teach us about what it means to create and sustain an intellectually vibrant culture that prioritizes literacy.”—Ellen C. Carillo, University of Connecticut