Title: Very Near The Line: An Autobiographical Sketch of Education and Its Politics in the Thatcher Years
Author: Donald Naismith
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: 978-1477245965
Pages: 232
Genre: Education/World History
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina

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Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In author Donald Naismith’s history book Very Near The Line: An Autobiographical Sketch of Education and Its Politics in the Thatcher Years, education as a weapon is crucially changed as the author studies the changes made to the education system in England during the Margaret Thatcher era of politics.

This book is essentially a study of the changes Margaret Thatcher made and attempted to make to England’s education system. During her time as the Prime Minister of England, the politician widely known as “The Iron Lady” brought into effect several changes that sought to reorganize the state sector through the public school system. Yet through this read, the author delves into the mistakes that led to the changes she implemented not being fully realized, and how things could have been different. From a heavy reliance on local councils to implement her changes in policy without giving any resources or direction to accomplish it, to an examination of education in the early 20th century and beyond, this book studies the education system in England in extensive detail.

The author writes in a very direct, descriptive and decisive way. Sharing his role in the education system during this time, the author writes with an authority befitting him and his time working in the system during these changes. The most fascinating aspect of this book is the detail that went into the various studies and policies of the education system at that time. No detail was left unchecked, including so far as to share how German families would take their children to schools to educate them in the same studies they would have learned in Germany, but in London, and how the author’s own children studied at a school very near one of these German based schools. The implementation of such a system that demonstrated the differences between German and English based education was fascinating to see, albeit a small detail in a much larger education system overhaul.

This is a book meant for readers who enjoy world history, studying the different education systems of a different country and those fascinated with the specific era of Margaret Thatcher and her influence on things in England’s education. As someone who lives in the United States and has very strong opinions on the education system, it was fascinating to see the differences between US education and England’s education.

This is the perfect read for anyone interested in the education system overall. The writing here is precise and perfectly showcases the author’s command over the subject. Readers will feel educated themselves as the author’s expertise shines through in every chapter, and by the book’s end readers will not only have a better understanding of the Thatcher Years and their impact on the education system, but will be able to see how certain changes could have been implemented to help these policies Margaret Thatcher came up with succeed fully. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of Very Near the Line by Donald Naismith today!