The learned, pious and gentle Archbishop Fénelon (1651–1715), author of Télémaque and royal tutor, was one of the great European educationists and especially important for his writings on the education of girls; but his work is little known to students of the history and theory of education because suitable translations of the main texts have been lacking. Professor Barnard now makes them available in English, with a substantial introduction and notes. The introduction gives a biography and character sketch of Fénelon, against the religious, political and educational background of his times; a second section analyses Fénelon's educational theories.