College President James Freedman spent part of his Winter Carnival signing copies of his new book for a small, but steady, stream of people at the Dartmouth Bookstore on Saturday afternoon.
After the signing of his book "Idealism and Liberal Education," Freedman attended a small reception at the Hayward Lounge in the Hanover Inn.
According to the bookstore, almost 100 copies of the book have been sold, "which is exciting," Freedman said.
In his book, Freedman discusses how he became an educator, praises affirmative action, discusses how literature has affected his life and describes several "idealists" he has admired.
Many of the people who stood in line to have Freedman sign copies of his book were students buying copies as gifts for their parents or parents buying the book to surprise their children.
"I thought the book signed by the President of the College would make a good surprise gift," one parent of a Dartmouth freshman said.
Freedman said, "A number of parents have been in to get presents for Commencement in order to give to graduating students."
Others bought copies with other educators in mind.
"It is my father's 80th birthday, he is a retired Colorado State University professor and I thought this would make a great gift," said Aileen Shaltain, a Hanover resident.
The reception at the Hanover Inn, where Freedman spoke for about five minutes, was well attended but only a few students were at the gathering.
Freedman said he is "sensitive to criticism in press that college presidents don't speak out on issues."
This book is a "message that liberal education is important," he said and expressed concern that "fewer than half of the undergraduates in the country are majoring in liberal arts."
