"A well-written and timely study of one of the WCTU’s most important endeavors."—Journal of American History
"Zimmerman’s thorough research, clear conceptualization, fluent style, and attention to—and respect for—public debate should win his book a wide readership both within and beyond the academic world."—American Historical Review
"Well written, well researched, and provocative."—Choice
"This is a carefully researched and closely argued book which presents a specific US history. Its perspective on the science/policy relationship adds a new perspective from educational theory."—Addiction
"Will be of interest to those fascinated by the concept of a grassroots movement influencing public education."—Journal of Studies on Alcohol
"A century before the Afrocentrism debates and a generation before the Scopes trial, there was Scientific Temperance Instruction (STI), probably the most successful lay effort to influence school curricula in the history of American education. By taking the STI campaigns seriously, this book raises a host of provocative questions about the complex interaction among experts, professionals, and the public at the end of the nineteenth century; about the democratic character of the Progressive period in general; and above all else, about the contested place of majoritarianism in American public education."—James C. Mohr, author of Doctors and the Law and Abortion in America
"Should public school pupils be indoctrinated against alcohol and drugs? Or should they be taught to think? As Zimmerman shows, these important questions are not new. By focusing on tensions between science and morality and between democracy and experts, his insightful book makes valuable contributions to the histories of education, science, public policy, and the Progressive Era."—W. J. Rorabaugh, author of The Alcoholic Republic: An American Tradition
"Provides an illuminating historical context for understanding the conflicts among extramural lobbies, the public, and public school educators that now swirl around the schools."—Joseph Kett, author of The Pursuit of Knowledge Under Difficulties: From Self-Improvement to Adult Education in America
"A brave and interesting book that illuminates bitter battles within the most significant Gilded Age women’s organization, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union."—Robyn Muncy, author of Creating a Female Dominion in American Reform, 1890–1935
"Reveals the intemperate politics of alcohol education and gives new insight into the conflicts between expertise, passion for reform, and representative democracy.—David Tyack, author of Tinkering Toward Utopia: A Century of Public School Reform
