Paulo Freire

This revised and updated second edition of Paulo Freire: The Man from Recife recounts the life, thought, and experiences of a remarkable man who has left an indelible mark on the social sciences, education, and theology. As one who was born in the northeastern part of Brazil in a city called Recife, Freire experienced the sting of poverty and the pangs hunger within an unjust social and economic system, yet he emerged as a courageous, prophetic voice of conscience. With a new Foreword, Preface, and Afterword, notable stylistic changes in chapter structures, and updated chapters relevant to these contemporary times, this new revised, updated edition continues to bring attention to a man whose thought continues to influence around the globe.

This latest edition of Paulo Freire: The Man from Recife is a captivating and refreshing take on Paulo Freire’s timeless principles…Kirylo skillfully incorporates issues like neoliberalism, destructive tribalism, and religious sectarian nationalism in dialogue with Freire’s transformative ideas, underscoring the continued relevance of Freire’s thought in addressing today’s challenges. This book is much more than a simple compendium of historical and bibliographical information; it is a call to action, an inspiration for change, and a testament to the power of critical and transformative education.

—DÉBORA B. AGRA JUNKER, PhD, Associate Professor of Critical Pedagogies, Founder and Director of Cátedra Paulo Freire, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

James D. Kirylo has brilliantly revised his foundational text on Paulo Freire’s life and work. This new edition is panoramic and marvelously readable, expanding our knowledge of the contexts from which Freire emerged to become a leading advocate for social justice in education and society.

—IRA SHOR, Co-author with Paulo Freire, A Pedagogy for Liberation

Reading Paulo Freire: The Man from Recife deeply fascinated me. Each chapter on relevant passages from Paulo Freire’s life and his intellectual and educational work expresses a profound connection between Kirylo and the Brazilian thinker, leading us to a clear understanding of the reasons that has made Freire a reference of universal and timeless repercussion. I am impressed by the admiration, affection and seriousness that Kirylo shows in the characterization of Paulo Freire’s land, his country and hometown. The book’s structure, with short chapters and fluid language, makes it a pleasant and captivating journey, which increases our appetite for tasting each page.

—LUCIMARA CRISTINA DE PAULA, State University of Ponta Grossa, Parana, Brazil

James D. Kirylo’s Paulo Freire: The Man From Recife provides a unique portrait of one of the most influential educationists of the 20th century. This second edition – with its thoughtful revisions to the style, substance, and structure of the text – makes what was already a key work in Freirean scholarship even more accessible and engaging. Kirylo shows, with great insight and clarity, how Freire’s ideas emerged from his personal, pedagogical, and political experiences. I recommend this book very highly for anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of Paulo Freire – the intellectual, the teacher, and the man.

—PETER ROBERTS, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Author Biography

JAMES D. KIRYLO is Professor of Education at the University of South Carolina. Among other books, he is author of The Catholic Teacher: Teaching for Social Justice with Faith, Hope, and Love (2023) and The Thoughtful Teacher: Making Connections with a Diverse Student Population (2021), editor for Reinventing Pedagogy of the Oppressed: Contemporary Critical Perspectives (2020), and co-author of Paulo Freire: His Faith, Spirituality, and Theology (2017).