As its title suggests, this book contains a true legacy in the tradition of one of the greatest occupational therapy pioneers, Eleanor Clarke Slagle (1876–1942). The American Occupational Therapy Association recognized this pioneer’s influence by establishing its highest award in her honor in 1953. This compilation presents the 53 Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectures, and while each stands firm as its own solid example of scholarship, when read sequentially they form a unique record of the steady progress and increasing sophistication of occupational therapy. The discussion begins with the original Adolph Meyer address honoring Slagle and is completed by linking key messages of the lectures to occupational therapy’s future. The lectures contain history, leadership, mentoring, encouragement, admonishment, philosophy, and practical guidance. Above all, they reflect Slagle’s vision of the integration of theory, philosophy, and spirit from which occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students can draw inspiration.

This reference has been organized according to decades, and each section is preceded by discussions of what was happening in the world and the United States at that time. After this historical accounting, the lectures for the decade are reprinted. Each section closes with a series of suggested learning activities and classroom discussion questions. Although a broader historical and social context is not always evident within individual lectures, it becomes apparent when the whole body of work of each honored lecturer is considered. Appendixes include biographies and bibliographies for each lecturer, as well as bibliographies of world and U.S. history and also occupational therapy’s history, and a list of AOTA presidents.