Merle McClung

A Rhodes Retrospective Merle McClung

A compelling "rags to respect" memoir, "Volume I of A Rhodes Retrospective (My Education)" told the story of Merle McClung's experience from an impoverished midwest childhood to unlikely scholarships to Harvard College, Oxford University and Harvard Law School. "Volume II (My Career)" has special meaning for everyone faced with the classic choice: lucrative private practice doing well or public service doing good? McClung provides a fascinating account of his struggles to do both in spite of failures and declining health. His advocacy for the civic standard as the primary purpose of public education, culminating in founding the Make Our Democracy Work Institute (MODWI), will appeal to all citizens committed to making our democracy work better.