This volume, published by the Salesian University Library (Libreria Ateneo Salesiano) for the "Fonti" series, opens with an ample introduction of the curator, a Professor of History of Pedagogy and Education at the Salesian Pontifical University (SPU) in Rome. Underlying the work's features, Fr Barberis pointed out that he did not propose to produce a "complete pedagogical treatise", but rather to offer young educators some help "in the difficult task of educating well."
Generally speaking, the "Notes" do not deviate much from the pedagogical manuals of its epoch. After the exposition of General Notions, the central body of the opus is divided into five parts: Physical Education, Intellectual Education, Aesthetic Education, Moral and Religious Pedagogy (with a section titled: The Preventive System). The book offers an authoritative testimony of a loving disciple and active collaborator of Don Bosco. Unconditional fidelity and deep admiration for the educational method of the "father, friend and teacher" did not impede, indeed, empowered the Salesian writer to broaden his range of interests towards the work of Italian and foreign, ancient and modern pedagogues and educators.
The volume's Afterword, by Fr. Darius Grządziel, SDB, Extraordinary Professor of Pedagogy and Didactics at SPU, invites readers, whether they be pedagogues or educators, to reflect and to study how the opus dated late nineteenth century, can be re-read and appreciated even today.
Highlighted are some particularly important elements for possible development included what might be called "Salesian pedagogy." Aside from some critical points, the "Notes" may act as one of the "bridges" between Don Bosco's ideas and educational practice and a possible further re-elaboration to to currently developed further.
Some principles identified in Barberis's text, on the one hand, and today's pedagogical methodologies and epistemology, on the other, offer suitable instruments to make the suggested invitation both rewarding and useful.
