THIS ANTHOLOGY is an attempt to bring together the memories and opinions of representative Phillips Academy alumni about their school. It is a composite picture created by successive writers, sometimes drawn lightly and humorously, sometimes etched with depth and color. Because no contributor has known what his collaborators would say or were saying, the articles have little sequential or topical relationship. The emphasis throughout has been on the portrayal of personalities and policies through illustrative anecdotal material.
We have here, I believe, the basic substance of educational and social history. Included are recollections of picturesque or inspiring teachers, tales of youthful indiscretions, comments on programs and procedures, some serious philosophizing blended with diverting stories, and even some candid criticism. The mood is impressionistic rather than conventional, and the product is not unlike a patchwork quilt, composed of units of different sizes and shapes and colors but creating a total impression of unity. Through these interpretations from different and unrelated sources, Andover emerges, if not as a "many-splendoured thing," at least as a school of impressive quality and character.
A brief word about editorial procedure! Contributions were requested from about forty persons, beginning with a member of the Class of 1890 and ending with a youngster from the Class of 1959. The volume thus covers a period of more than sixty years, under four headmasters. A few of those invited found it impossible to join in the symposium---for good and sufficient reasons. In making plans, demonstrated literary ability was regarded as an essential virtue, for we wished the book to have distinction. Although most of the authors have an available monetary market in the book or magazine field, they have given their services without any recompense except the editor's unnegotiable "Thank You" and the possible cheers with which their work will be received.
After some discussion it was decided to arrange the articles in accordance with a chronological system. The brief preliminary notes on the writers are probably unnecessary but may serve to identify the participants. The contributors were left entirely free to follow their own inclinations, with the stipulation that they deal primarily with their Andover experience. It was, however, mildly suggested that they avoid the extremes of mere nostalgic sentimentality on the one hand and adult cynicism on the other. The avenues of approach, as will be seen, have differed considerably but everybody has treated his assignment with satisfactory seriousness.
The editor's chief perquisite has been the opportunity of renewing relationships with alumni of diverse ages and viewpoints. Some of them he watched as they went from the campus into a larger world, a little callow and uncertain about the future. Now here they are again after a period of testing, more mature, of course, but still children, although of a larger growth, and many of them in positions of large responsibility. Andover rejoices in their successes and claims them proudly as her own. A good wine needs no bush, and these selections need no advertising or preliminary praise. To all who read them they will carry their own message.
September 1, 1959
Chestnut Hill
Massachusetts