Drawn from Hunter’s own experiences as a New York City schoolteacher, it is a “nightmarish but authentic” drama that packs a knockout punch ( Time).

The basis for the blockbuster film starring Glenn Ford and Sidney Poitier, Evan Hunter’s The Blackboard Jungle is a brutal, unflinching look at the dark side of American education and an early masterpiece from the author who went on to write the gritty 87th Precinct series as Ed McBain. His idealism will be put to the ultimate test, however, when a long-simmering power struggle with his most intimidating student explodes into a violent schoolroom showdown. The more he learns about their difficult circumstances, the more convinced he becomes that a good teacher can make a difference in their lives. Over the course of the semester, he tries again and again to break through the wall of hatred and scorn and win his students’ respect. But Dadier refuses to give up without a fight. His fellow educators are bitter, disillusioned, and too afraid of their pupils to risk turning their backs on them in the classroom. On his first day, Dadier endures relentless mockery and ridicule and makes an enemy of the student body by rescuing a female colleague from a vicious attack. Hunter, Evan (aka Ed McBain) Published by New York: Pocket Books / Cardinal Edition C-187 1st Printing. After serving in the navy in World War 2, he went to Hunter College, studying English, Psychology and Education. The Blackboard Jungle: NFT/BFI Film Classics by Evan Hunter and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at .uk.

A tough vocational school in the East Bronx, Manual Trades is home to angry, unruly teenagers exiled from New York City’s regular public schools. The Blackboard Jungle - the novel by Evan Hunter Evan Hunter (1926-2005) was born Salvatore Lombino in New York City. The “shocking” and “suspense-packed” bestseller about one teacher’s stand against student violence, and the basis for the Academy Award–nominated film ( The New York Times Book Review).Īfter serving his country in World War II, Richard Dadier decides to become an English teacher-and for the sin of wanting to make a difference, he’s hired at North Manual Trades High School.

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