"In this book, Cyril O. Houle presents an up-to-date, comprehensive examination of the nature and scope of the vast literature on adult education - and includes the historical perspective and interpretation necessary to understand the links between the diverse and seemingly separate aspects of the field. In a single volume, he describes over twelve hundred books, tracing the development of basic theories and practices and identifying major accomplishments." "Houle explores the full range of publications on adult education - from those focused on the field's theoretical underpinnings to works on specific adult learning programs - to uncover the unique values and missions at the heart of adult education. He provides a valuable tool for locating information, grasping the field as a whole, and understanding emerging challenges in adult education." "The Literature of Adult Education can help teachers, trainers, administrators, counselors, and scholars in all areas of adult education find the sources of information and guidance they need to strengthen their own practice. Houle shows how all contributions to the literature of adult education have helped define the field and pave the way for lifelong learning. He describes, for instance, books dealing with the fundamental issues of adult education - such as the training of adult educators - and explores the political and economic dimensions of teaching adults. He covers works explaining how public libraries, museums, and the Cooperative Extension Service have developed services to transmit knowledge, culture, information, and enjoyment to people of every age group. And he shows how the adult challenges of patenting, citizenship and work have led to family life courses, group process training, and human resource development." "In every chapter, Houle includes valuable background information and essay-style commentary to highlight authors' purposes, clarify each work's place in the field, and give meaning and sequence to the literature as a whole. The comprehensive 200-page bibliography that concludes the book reflects all the works discussed within the chapters and provides access to virtually all published literature on adult and continuing education."--Jacket.

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