The Stormy Times of James Moffett

This article discusses the published work and career of James Moffett (1929–96), focusing in particular on Kanawha County, West Virginia, in the 1970s, when his innovative textbook series,—Interaction, after adoption by the county, was opposed by local and national conservative activists. The series was ultimately dropped by the district following a highly publicized, protracted, and at-times violent conflict, after which other districts around the country followed suit, shutting down the series. The article examines Moffett’s response to the censorship battle, explores his later interestin spirituality and literacy, and considers the implications of his work and his career trajectory for the teaching of English today.