William S. Gray is considered by many literacy authorities today to have been the premier reading educator of the last century. He was most noted for his extensive research and writing in many aspects of literacy. The following interview with Gray was originally published in "School and Community," a Missouri state teachers' journal, in 1949. Although the interviewer is not specifically listed, it was probably A. Sterl Artley, then a professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia and a personal friend of Dr. Gray. A number of books and related materials have been written about William S. Gray but as far as this writer knows, the following article has never been listed in any of these references. Thus, the opportunity to read the thoughts of this pioneer in the literacy field provides a rare insight into his thinking.