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The Long Haul: An Autobiography | 
 enlarge | Authors: Myles Horton, Judith Kohl, Herbert Kohl
Publisher: Teachers College Press
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy Used: $5.75
You Save: $14.20 (71%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 33352
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 231
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.2 x 0.6
ISBN: 0807737003
Dewey Decimal Number: 374.976878
EAN: 9780807737002
ASIN: 0807737003
Publication Date: October 1997
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: small amount of underlining, spine is uncreased, cover is good
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Product Description
Studs Terkel, Bill Moyer, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, Jr. are among the many who have recognized the unique influence Myles Horton has had on American social and educational history. Horton tells in his own simple, moving language how his vision was realized in the creation of the Highlander Folk School for adults in Tennessee. 35 photographs.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
The Long Haul - an excellent read October 10, 2008
Myles Horton's autobiography is an excellent source of how to reach and teach adult learning groups. The Highlander methods used can be applied to many situations where traditional teaching styles either may not work or an unconventional method is required. While the examples used are for union organizing and civil rights movements, it is the utilization of the learning and "non-teaching" methods that make the text.
Great! February 9, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Great book. Insightfully and eloquently written. Interesting viewpoints. Great for a new look at politics.
 Change Your Thinking December 12, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Miles Horton's The Long Haul an Autobiography was a book I could not put down. This book inspired me to take a look at my own life and where I am going and to really evaluate the expectations I have for myself. The book details Miles Horton's struggles to achieve his life long goal to develop a form of education that will result in a change in society. The path he takes to fulfill his dream is not an easy one but seeing his determination to open the Highlander School was an inspiration to me. Throughout the book, Mr. Horton gives insight to his practical way of thinking about problems and people. I have had my eyes opened to what really motivates people to do what they do and why they do it. Although I try to stay away from politics as I have never been interested, this book gave me a desire to learn more about the political system as I read how Mr. Horton, often humorously, viewed and dealt with the political issues that seemed to follow him throughout his life. After reading that Martin Luther King and other strong leaders were influenced by Mr. Horton, it is no surprise that I too have been changed by reading his book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to see a change in society and is willing to look inside to begin the transformation.
Changed my thinking December 20, 2006
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
I was first introduced to THE LONG HAUL as a consequence of teaching a community organization course for which I had not been assigned for over 20 years. I felt I was out of my element. In seeking to prep myself for this course, I consulted key people in the US and my local community. I was prodded to read THE LONG HAUL. I must admit I was not enthusiastic. BIG MISTAKE!
After 30 years of reading social science research monographs, research proposals, dissertations, MSW theses, and textbooks, I would say that THE LONG HAUL is one of the most (and perhaps the most) profoundly important piece of literature I have read addressing the social service arena. Although it is an autobiography, it offers critical insight into the failure of social service delivery. Prior to reading THE LONG HAUL, I believed that the major failure of sociology and social work was the inability to construct a meaningful theory of cultural diversity. Social work's failure to shepherd recipients off of TANF is associated with a lack of cultural understanding. Clearly, what we need is a theory for guidance.
In his autobiography, Myles Horton takes us to the threshold of theory construction. Much of what "works" is counterintuitive. For example, if the police are monitoring Horton's actions because the authorities fear he will instigate a communist upraising, Horton will seek out the police. He would thank them for escorting him to his destination and explain to them his plans. The police move into a state of utter confusion. They are put in a position where they must walk with him rather then concealing themselves. Clearly, he knows what he is doing, but is unable to explain his actions that would enable readers to generalize these actions. The capacity of generalize and to use this generalization for an alternative environment is the heart of sociological theory. We learn how society functions by identifying patterns and see if they exist (or work) in other arenas.
Perhaps theory construction is not possible. Perhaps cultural influences are so uniquely situated that a generalization from one arena to another is not possible. What is the common theme found in all of Horton's successes? I think the answer is LISTENING. However, Horton's form of listening is not the type of listening I was taught nor the kind of listening I read in cutting edge research and respected textbooks. It is, in fact, NOT the empathic listening. I do not believe that words exists which capture the essence of this type of Horton's listening, but I believe the concept of "blind" listening comes close. In addition, sociological frameworks such as Interactionalism and Phenomenology employ terms like "bracketing." Bracketing comes close, but does not hit the bull's eye. Social workers must spend more time understanding Horton's methodology of listening, analyzing what he heard, and acting upon his analysis.
I do not recall reading any book that had such a profound effect on my thinking. This autobiography is not merely the story of Myles Horton's life but rather a roadmap for improved social service delivery and empowerment. Every social worker should read this book -- even clinicians. In fact, I would say that any social work student who does not thoroughly enjoy this book, needs to change majors.
If you are interested in Leadership, Inspiration and Transformation READ THIS BOOK July 28, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book gave me a sense of clarity regarding my own values and beliefs when it comes to creating and sustaining learning relationships with others. It also lit a fire in my heart for the work...the work of developing learning and instruction in ways that are truly empowering of others. It was a jolt of energy in my own life journey. I'm humbled and grateful to have been introduced to the ideas and life of Mr. Horton - as well as the story of the Highlander learning community. Social change will always be a natural outcome of true learning and instruction in a world that confirms its being alive through the ever-changing, interdependent evolution of its cultural soceity. Change is good.
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