The development of the higher adult education movement in the U.S. over the past century is reviewed in this book. Focus is on the cultural conditions that made it possible, the persons who played key roles, the characteristics that distinguished each period, and the trends that emerged and continue to the present day. An overview is first given of general cultural and educational progress in the nineteenth century as the author traces the noncollegiate roots of adult higher education back to such diverse institutions as the public library, the lyceum, vocational and technical institutes, correspondence courses, and the press. The initial steps in systematizing adult higher education are then detailed, including the major effort of John Vincent's Chautauqua Institute and the emergence of university extension. The model of modern university extension is described as it evolved at the University of Wisconsin. The period from 1920 through the end of World War II is reported in terms of three new developments: the rapid increase in number and size of evening colleges, the similar increase in size and number of community colleges offering adult services, and the introduction of the radio as an instructional medium. Post-1945 factors are also considered, such as the role of returning veterans, residential conference centers, educational television, and community service programs. The capacity and willingness of the public to support higher adult education is examined. (LBH)