Every reader loves a mystery, and what more fascinating than one hidden in the 'heart' of the new-born child? This book touches on prenatal experience, but is mainly concerned with the growth and education of the child from birth, through the formative years, to adulthood. He world-famous educationalist, Dr Maria Montessori, illustrates the unique mental powers of the young child, which after no more than six years surpasses all other species. With penetrating insight, validated by close observation of child phenomena, she sheds light on the responsibility of adults to prepare the environment for the manifestation of the great potentialities and latent spiritual grandeur in the child.