The book examines the rise of public schools across key countries like Prussia, France, and the United States, highlighting unique factors that shaped their systems. It presents a comparative analysis, identifying common trends and divergent paths.
The book unfolds in a structured manner, beginning with core concepts and historical precedents, then moving to case studies and comparative analysis, and concluding with the long-term social and economic consequences of public education. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex forces that have shaped our educational systems.