It’s been years since I have read a John McPhee book. I’m glad this one became available because he is such a great writer. Any subject he writes about becomes instantly fascinating. I just wish it had been longer.

This is such a wonderful book. It is as good today as it was back in 1960 when John McPhee wrote it. A great story about a great man. It touches upon a proven way to educate boys.

A wonderful book about Deerfield and its headmaster of many years. A quick and easy listen with a narrator who lets you focus on the story.
Deerfield is a small private non-military school where the students are shepherded through their high school years with an eye towards making even those who appear to be problems or merely phlegmatic into valuable people at the end of the journey. The headmaster (and his wife) shaped the direction of the school.
There are valuable lessons throughout this book.
I will be recommending this work to all my acquaintances.
I would like the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

Originally published in The New Yorker in 1966, "The Headmaster" is John McPhee's fascinating profile of Frank Boyden, who ran Deerfield Prep School from 1902-1968. As described with McPhee's inimitable style, Boyden practically bounds off the page, and the story of his life's mission to make Deerfield one of the country's premier prep schools gives you a great sense not only of the man, but of the times and prep school milieu in which he lived. Highly recommended. (Note: I listened to the audio version of this book, which was effectively narrated by Edoardo Ballerini.)

Thank you to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an audio ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

John McPhee's The Headmaster is a short profile of Frank L. Boyden of Deerfield Academy, a college preparatory boarding day school founded in 1797. Boyden served as headmaster from 1902 to 1968, and this book was published near the end of his career in 1966. Why in 2024 the work is being re-released as an audiobook has not been clearly stated, but it is narrated by Deerfield alum, Edoardo Ballerini.

McPhee is considered one of the pioneers of creative nonfiction, and many of his books include or were expanded from materials initial written for The New Yorker as is this case for this work.

In The Headmaster we learn of the life and work of Frank Boyden, how he at first planned to work in law, but eventually acknowledged his talent as a intuitive educator. He is a very colorful character, believing in the personal touch. Almost every student is interviewed in person before being accepted. His desk is located in the main hallway to better keep track of his charges and he is forever sending letters, often dictated while he travels about his many appointments. He drove a horse and buggy about town long after motor vehicles had largely replaced them. Overall the book details his development as an educator, his working style and what he accomplishes in a typical day. As the headmaster he reshaped both the school and its success reshaped the town of Deerfield.

McPhee writing brings Boyden to life, in both Boyden's own voice and those who have worked with and supported him for years. And he had power, McPhee notes that Boyden was able to reverse Princeton rejection if he voiced a recommendation. As recently as 2000, this book was recommended to be read by any education administrator by Jan Ophus in Education Weekly.*

* Ophus, Jan. "Homage to a Headmaster." Education Week 20, no. 5 (Oct 04, 2000): 29-29,32, (accessed April 15, 2024).

I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.

I've been a fan of John McPhee for decades - his books and long form New Yorker articles. This book was first published as an article in the New Yorker in 1966. The story of Frank Boyden - the long serving headmaster of Deerfield Academy in Massachusettes - is a fascinating one. Boyden's recipe for success - work hard, be kind, take ownership - seems so simple. If only it translated beyond the rarified world of New England private schools.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

John McPhee penned "The Headmaster: Frank L. Boyden of Deerfield" originally as an extensive piece for the New Yorker magazine, a publication he's long been associated with. Crafted over four decades ago, it now comes to life as a concise audiobook, enriched by the narration of Edoardo Ballerini. Delving into the life of the remarkable educator Frank L. Boyden, this book offers more than just a glimpse into his world—it offers a profound understanding of his influence, extending far beyond the confines of his school, the Deerfield Academy in Western Massachusetts . McPhee's portrait lovingly captures a bygone era, yet resonates with timeless wisdom that remains relevant even today. Modern educators stand to gain invaluable insights from Boyden's teachings, a testament to the enduring nature of his principles. McPhee who was a student for a final year before going on to Princeton speaks from personal experience as he transports us to Boyden's realm, experiencing his challenges and triumphs firsthand. Beyond being a mere biography, the book serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of one individual's commitment, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.

Review of “The Headmaster: Frank L. Boyden of Deerfield” written by John McPhee and narrated by Edoardo Ballerini.

Audio Available May 21/2024

Check it Out on Goodreads!!

Disclaimer: Please note that I received an Audio ARC from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

John McPhee’s “The Headmaster: Frank L. Boyden of Deerfield” really was amazing and only made better by Edoardo Ballerini’s narration. This book gave me a deep dive into the life of an amazing educator who made a huge impact beyond just his school. Reading about Boyden’s journey, his wisdom, and how he shaped countless students’ lives felt like stepping into a whole other world. McPhee’s storytelling had me feeling like I was right there with Boyden, facing his challenges and celebrating his successes. This book isn’t just a biography; it’s a reminder of how one person’s dedication can leave a lasting legacy. If you’re looking for a story that’s inspiring and real, “The Headmaster” is it.

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A terrific and quick read on the history of Deerfield Academy and an intriguing slice of educational philosophy.

This is more long form article than book, the brief but fascinating biography of the headmaster of Deerfield and the educational principles which still shape the academy to this day, and which have pervaded elite education everywhere.

Fair warning that if you don’t worship at the altar of e ivory tower or your primary interest in education is of a postmodern bent focused on inequality issues, then this is not for you. But if, like me, you are endlessly fascinated by educational philosophy and believe in a more holistic educational experience, this is a delight to read.

The eponymous headmaster certainly didn’t get everything right (back to some aspects of that equality thing again), but his contributions from both an ideal philosophical standpoint as well as his appreciation for the type of education a school can provide that goes beyond the literal classroom are still both applicable and preferable for those seeking a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience.

Charming short book about a wonderful headmaster. I love campus story's and lived this little read. A marvelous story about a man who positively influenced many students.