WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
Frances Mary Buss and her work for education cover

Frances Mary Buss and her work for education

Chapter 2: PREFACE
Open in WeRead

About This Book

A chronological biography traces the life and achievements of Frances Mary Buss, describing her childhood and young adulthood, the evolution of her educational ideals, and her public campaigns to expand secondary schooling for girls. It narrates the founding and growth of a pioneering collegiate-style school, practical reforms such as teacher training and examinations for women, collaborations with fellow educators, and the administrative and architectural developments that marked institutional success. Later chapters record travel, friendships, and periods of rest, while appended portraits, illustrations, and correspondence illuminate her character and the practical methods she promoted for improving teaching and widening opportunities for women.

PREFACE

In a life written by a friend for friends there must of necessity be more of the intimacy of private friendship than in a record written dispassionately for an unknown public. The world in general knows Frances Mary Buss as a public worker—capable, energetic, successful. By her friends she was loved as one of the most womanly of women—true, and tender, and loyal. Her work, to which all women of this generation owe so much, must assume prominence in the story of her life; but what is most desired is to show her as she was to her friends.

My warmest thanks are here offered to all who have so freely and so kindly helped me in this labour of love: first, to Miss Buss’ own family and personal friends, and to old pupils; to Mrs. Bryant, D.Sc., and the members of the staff in both schools; and, for many valuable educational details, to Miss Emily Davies, Miss Beale, Mrs. William Grey, Miss Shirreff, Miss Mary Gurney, Miss Agnes J. Ward, Miss Hughes, and Dr. and Mrs. Fitch.

A. E. R.