Ruskin Today: John Ruskin for the 21st Century

Why are we Ruskin Mill Trust? What can a 19th-century art critic and social reformer have to offer young people with special educational needs in the 21st century?

John Ruskin (1819–1900) was a true public intellectual of his day who attracted audiences of over a thousand, delivering mesmerising talks with vast illustrations: more TED talk than academic lecture. What attracted people was Ruskin’s capacity to take the themes of the day along with a wider vision of what makes for a healthy and connected human life. An appreciative exploration of the world we see leads to valuing skilled practical engagement and a community in which that is nurtured. For our students, putting his ideas into practice is transformative.

To celebrate his bicentenary, Ruskin Mill Trust commissioned an expanded second edition of a 2006 collection of essays. Nineteen contemporary authors from many fields responded to Ruskin’s work with a short discussion of why it matters today. The book includes contributions from Aonghus Gordon, Matt Briggs, Berni Courts, Judyth Sassoon and Laurence Cox.

“The influence of Ruskins life and thought continues to expand as we confront environmental and social challenges on a scale that can seem overwhelming, and this book demonstrates why his inspiring legacy matters more than ever.”

– Dinah Birch, CBE, FRSA, FEA – Emeritus Professor, University of Liverpool.

“This second edition is an essential vade mecum for all true Ruskinians, for all those who realise or who seek to understand why and how Ruskin has a great deal to say which is inisghtful and relevant to issues of fundamental importance in our societies today.”

– Peter Burman, Director, Guild of St. George

“A galazy of scholars, practitioners, activists, craftspeople and ec-warriors contribute to this essential second, much expanded, edition of essays on John Ruskin – one of Britain’s most influential, but widely misunderstood, thinkers, prophets, art and social critics.”

– Sir Nicholas Mander, Historian and Writer