Summerhill Academy, Aberdeen, Scotland, 1974.cThe Headteacher, R F Mackenzie, is Scotland's foremost progressive educationalist. He is compelled to take early retirement by the Aberdeen Education Committee. Why?This book, largely written at the time 47 years ago, explores the issues and in-fighting behind the decision. It also describes some of what happened after regime change - different values and priorities. The author, Principal Teacher of English at the school from 1972-1978, also gives a close-up description of his own classroom, warts-and-all - his attempts to develop pupils' more independent ways of working and his clashes with those in charge of "normalising" the school.