An essential resource for all students and scholars of early childhood education, this book offers a rich array of material about Maria Montessori and the Montessori Method. Distinguished education scholar Gerald Gutek begins with an in-depth biography of Montessori, exploring how a determined young woman overcame the obstacles that blocked her educational and career opportunities in Italy during the late Victorian age. The author then analyzes the sources and influences that shaped the Montessori philosophy of education. After laying the foundation for Montessori's development, Gutek presents an annotated and abridged edition of The Montessori Method (1912), the seminal work that introduced her educational innovations to a U.S. audience. The book concludes with key historical documents, including disciple Anne E. George's notes on the Montessori lectures and William H. Kilpatrick's critique of the Montessori method. Preserving the historical context of Montessori's contribution, Gutek also shows the continuing relevance of her thought to educational reform in the twenty-first century. After the Editor's Note, and Introduction: A Biography of Montessori and an Analysis of the Montessori Method, the book is divided into two parts. Part I, An Annotated Edition of Maria Montessori's The Montessori Method; and Part II, Related Documents: (1) Interpretation of Montessori's Lecture Translated (Anne E. George); and (2) Excerpts from "The Montessori System Examined" (William H. Kilpatrick).