There has been no attempt in this book to develop a complete theory of education nor yet review any "systems" or discuss the views of prominent educators.

In this sequel to the landmark work Up from Slavery, Booker T. Washington discusses his time spent at the school which would later become Tuskegee University.

The book is a cutting-edge contribution to the debate which has occurred for some time on the pros and cons of secondary education becoming more closely and explicitly related to preparing young people for the world of work.