CMP Review 2026-06-02

June 2, 2026

H. W. Household was an ardent supporter of Charlotte Mason, but when he spoke on the grounds of the House of Education itself in May 1922, he was more impassioned than ever.

Household believed that all children of whatever class deserved a liberal education. He wanted rural children and urban children, children of labour and children “of capital” to have free access to books and knowledge. And he was determined to “call into alliance the new champion whom we have found—Miss Mason.”

What made Miss Mason his champion?

In his writings and speeches he offered many reasons, but in today’s piece he focused on this key idea: “In the schools that Miss Mason has inspired English has come into its place.” Mason championed not only a liberal education for all; she also championed English literature.

The occasion of Household’s address may have been the last time he and Mason were able to meet together in person. His words were reported in the July 1922 Parents’ Review. And in addition to describing and endorsing Mason’s approach to English literature, he made a rare and brief comment about another leading educationalist, but one whom he declined to embrace — one Madame Montessori.

Household’s historically significant talk is replete with ideas still applicable today. Sadly, however, it has never been available on the internet. Until today. Now you can read it or hear it in the warm and expressive voice of Greg Rolling here.

@artmiddlekauff