Literacy on the Left

Andrew Lambirth is Professor of Education at the University of Greenwich, UK.

• Acknowledgements \ Introduction \ Part I: Political Theory \ 1. Marxism: A Revolutionary Perspective \ 2. Conservatives and Social Democratic Liberal Perspectives \ 3. Postmodernist Perspectives \ 4 .Fashioning a Language of Critique \ Part II: Politics and Literacy Practice \ 5. Conservative Discourse and Literacy Practice \ 6. Social Democratic Liberal Discourse and Literacy Practice \ 7. Radical Discourse and Literacy Practice \ 8. Marxist Discourse and Literacy Practice \ 9. Conclusions \ Bibliography \ Index

'Lambirth seeks to challenge the readers of this book to think closely about the political background of the forms of literacy that they may practice or advocate. This is a tall task - in a context where the last 20 years of teacher education in literacy in the United Kingdom has been characterized by focus outcomes statements which has mitigated against any possible examination of the theories from which these curriculum directions were derived. Lambirth's challenge is indeed needed even more so at this time as political changes, economic imperatives and global trembling demonstrate the fragility of the social and political worlds. This a very brave and important new book which is essential reading for those involved in Literacy Education at any level.' Robyn Cox, Associate Professor of Literacy Education, Australian Catholic University, Australia