"One discovers a thing because it is there, and no sane person takes credit to himself for such discovery. On the contrary, he recognizes with King Arthur, -- "These jewels, whereupon I chanced Divinely, are for public use." For many years we have had access to a sort of Aladdin's cave which I long to throw open 'for public use.'"
--Charlotte Mason, A Philosophy of Education, p. 27
It is with pleasure that we provide this version of Charlotte Mason's six-volume series for public reading and study. Her own words lead one to believe that she would have wanted the truths she discovered to be shared freely with the public, and it is hoped that her words will inspire all who teach to use her ideas "for the children's sake."
Charlotte Mason felt that what she had discovered and found effective was worth sharing for the benefit of all children, not something to be hoarded and held for the benefit of a few. It is in that spirit that we share her books here.
This edition of the Charlotte Mason Series, typed by AmblesideOnline volunteers, is copyrighted to AmblesideOnline, and may not be published or re-posted elsewhere. Please refer to our License for more information.
The Charlotte Mason Homeschool Series
Volume 1 - Home Education
Volume 2 - Parents and Children
Volume 3 - School Education
Volume 4 - Ourselves
Volume 5 - Formation of Character
Volume 6 - Towards A Philosophy of Education
Which volume should I start with?
Advice on getting started reading the volumes
Charlotte Mason's Series in Modern English
A sentence-by-sentence paraphrase of each book.
Summaries of all six volumes
Perfect to get an overview if you're just starting out.
In Memoriam
A tribute written by students, co-workers and friends of Charlotte Mason. Provides a synopsis of her methods and insight into her personality.
Purchase the Charlotte Mason Homeschool Series from Living Books Press
The fresco at the Spanish chapel at Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy. John Ruskin called this fresco the "Vaulted Book." The fresco is attributed to Andrea di Bonaiuto da Firenze, a painter of the 1300's.
Charlotte Mason discusses this fresco in various volumes. She loved the way it illustrated her concept of the Holy Spirit gifting men with knowledge, even "secular" knowledge. Read more here.