The book focuses on the inter-relationships between adult education institutions and social movements and the extent to which both have a finite existence – springing up at a particular time or place to meet a specific need, then tailing off, being closed down or «reinventing» themselves when the need has been met. A major sub-theme is the role of adult education as an agent of change or a form of social control. Another important sub-theme is that of cultural, political or religious identity, often linked with linguistic issues or liberation movements. 37 experts from 15 countries provide an international dimension for this work, which consists of 31 revised and enlarged papers originally presented in 1998 at the VII International Conference on the History of Adult Education. The language of publication is English. The period principally treated extends from the 18
th
to the 20
century. The links between adult education institutions and social movements are important not only for educational historians but also for social and cultural history.