Dyslexia: A History

William Pringle Morgan published an account of "Percy," a "bright and intelligent boy, quick at games, and in no way inferior to others of his age," in 1896. Percy was one of the first children to be described as having word-blindness, better known today as dyslexia. Philip Kirby and Margaret Snowling's history of dyslexia charts a journey from Victorian medicine to its current status as the most globally recognized specific learning difficulty. It examines its origins and reveals the many scientists, teachers, and campaigners who put it on the map. It also explains current debates over the diagnosis and its impact on learning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

In 1896, the British physician William Pringle Morgan published an account of a remarkable individual named "Percy," describing him as a "bright and intelligent boy, quick at games, and in no way inferior to others of his age." However, despite his exceptional intelligence, Percy faced significant challenges when it came to learning to read. Percy was among the first children to be identified as having word-blindness, a condition now known as dyslexia. In this groundbreaking work, Philip Kirby and Margaret Snowling have undertaken the task of chronicling the history of dyslexia, spanning from its origins in Victorian medicine to its current status as the most globally recognized specific learning difficulty. Through an engaging narrative style, Kirby and Snowling unfold the story of dyslexia, exploring its origins and shedding light on the numerous scientists, teachers, and campaigners who have contributed to its understanding and recognition.

In their exploration, they delve into the ongoing debates surrounding the diagnosis of dyslexia and its impact on learning. This book is a valuable resource for those who have personally experienced dyslexia, professionals who have supported them, and scholars of social history, education, psychology, and childhood studies. Dyslexia offers a profound reflection on the place of literacy in society, examining who it has benefited and who it has left behind. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who have faced learning challenges and a call to action for those who seek to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for all.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 228 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228014362