The Liberal Education of Lawrence Cremin

This book is the first biography of the life and career of Lawrence Cremin (1925-1990), a Pulitzer and Bancroft Prize-winning historian of American education. The study examines Cremin’s contributions to modern educational research and reform in the broader context of mid-20th century liberalism and modernity, offering readers an analysis of how social science, technology, and government policies shaped educational equality. It provides a rich historical perspective on educational reform that remains relevant today. Through Cremin’s tenure as president of Teachers College, Columbia University, and the Spencer Foundation, this biography offers an insider’s perspective on the development of American higher education, detailing how Cremin balanced his scholarship, teaching, and administrative leadership.