The first book about adult education, reprinted here in a limited edition, was published in 1816 in Bristol, England. It marked the beginning of the modern era in education by acknowledging the importance of adult education in the total educational scheme of a society. The author, Thomas Pole, was born in Philadelphia in 1753 and was brought up as a Quaker. He became a minister and remained active all of his life in the Society of Friends. His adult years were spent in England where he studied and practiced medicine and wrote extensively. Through his association with the Society of Friends and his medical practice he became interested in the plight of the illiterate poor. He advocated teaching them to read the scriptures to ease their lot and to make them better citizens. He was active in several philanthropic societies which established adult schools and eventually he wrote the history of those schools. His theories on teaching adults are applicable today and will be of interest to all adult educators. (Author/AJ)