The Life and Times of T. H. Gallaudet

November 1, 2017

T.H. Gallaudet (1787-1851) is known as the father of deaf education in the United States, opening the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons in 1817. Inspired by the deaf daughter of a parishioner, Gallaudet traveled overseas to learn "symbolic instruction," in the hopes of bringing this form of education to America. He returned with Laurent Clerc, an instructor in sign language from France, and together they helped form the roots of American Sign Language. Sayers, a former professor of English at Gallaudet University, takes a different approach than the usual "born-studied-mastered-married-parented-died" biographical formula, and delves deeper into Gallaudet's political and religious leanings, shining light into a perhaps lesser-known side of his character. Gallaudet was a mirror of his times, and his involvement in the Congregational Church, the Federalist Party, and various social and political causes is explored. VERDICT Of value to those interested in Deaf culture and disability studies in general.--Virginia Johnson, East Bridgewater P.L., MA

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