"Those interested in the Progressive era, disability, and the history of education in the United States will find this inspirational biography of John Eldred Swearingen a necessary addition to their library." - Laurie Puchner, Professor and Chair, Department of Educational Leadership, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA
"Edward Janak tells the compelling story of John Eldred Swearingen, a privileged white male born in the South during Reconstruction. He loses his sight in a teenage hunting accident and later wins election as State Superintendent of Education in South Carolina. Swearingen uses his position to enhance the education of all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income. This is an important book for educational historians and those interested in disability and social justice issues." - Linda C. Morice, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA, and editor of Vitae Scholasticae: The Journal of Educational Biography