CMP Review 2026-10-01

October 1, 2026

Over the years I have opened hundreds of Parents’ Review and PNEU Journal issues. What makes this one different?

All those years I was in one of two libraries — the Armitt Museum & Library, or the Library of Congress. Each time I was grateful for those two wonderful institutions. Each time I was grateful for the journals and articles I saw. Each time I felt that special joy of seeing an original copy of the journal Miss Mason founded. And each time, I had to leave.

Recently, however, a friend sent me a set of L’Umile Pianta and PNEU Journal issues from the latter years of the PNEU. (If you are reading this, friend, THANK YOU!) Among the set is the February 1985 issue of the PNEU Journal. A special issue indeed.

What makes this issue so special? It contained the book review of Susan Schaeffer Macaulay’s For the Children’s Sake, which had been published the year before. The review, entitled “A Philosophy of Education Restated,” was written by Doreen Russo, a graduate of the Charlotte Mason College (formerly the House of Education).

Susan Schaeffer Macaulay’s book launched the modern Charlotte Mason movement. But it was not a hard reboot. So many providential touches link Susan Schaeffer Macaulay’s work with all that went before. Olive Norton’s school. The Joan Molyneux interview.

And this. The historic statement of Doreen Russo (CMT). “In her book Mrs Macaulay most ably reiterates and assesses Charlotte Mason’s ideas.” The old guard blesses the new.

It was a thrill to discover this article years ago at the Armitt. And it was a thrill to open it up in my own home.

@artmiddlekauff

🎵: “Snowflakes” by Ella Joy Meir