I need to get up to speed fast on classical education.
I can afford about one book - our library has none on this topic and I am in a hurry, so I need to buy one.

If you have a suggestion, I could use it please.

I would recommend The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer.  There is a website for the book with more information, including sample chapters, resource lists, and table of contents.  The website also has a discussion forum with great information.  I have been fortunate enough to borrow this from my local library and like it enough to want to buy it in the future.

Hope that helps!

Stephanie

I second that recommendation!  The Well-Trained Mind is an excellent book, whether or not you choose to call your own approach "classical" or not.  (I also got the book at my library.)

I second this recommendation. She also speaks at seminars. I know some folks that heard her and raved about her. So, if you can hear her, I think it would be well worth it. Here's the website http://www.welltrainedmind.com/  Her method is secular (which if my memory serves me right would be better for you than a Christian curricula).

Another curricula that is classical in nature but Christian is Tapestry of Grace. The author haws not written a book, but has scripted lesson plans to follow http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/index.php I have used this and liked it.

You might try getting SWB's book on interlibrary loan so you don't have to purchase it unless you really think you want it.

Another option is "The Latin Centered Curriculum" by Andrew Campbell.  We are using this method this year and it has been a life saver for us.  The 2nd edition of the book is available through memoriapress.com.   It is a framework on how and why to use classical method. 

Also you can check out the forums for the Well-trained Mind at www.welltrainedmind.com/forums.  They are very active.

If I could only pick one book, I would pick The Latin-Centered Curriculum.  The Well-Trained Mind is overwhelming for most families and very difficult to implement.  I gave a talk at a homeschool conference on Classical Education and the consensus about WTM was pretty clear.  Almost everyone had read it/looked at it - almost no one was using it as a guide.

Thanks everyone!  I looked through The Well Trained Mind and the website for the otherone, I decided we need some logic study, so I ordered some materials.

Thank you!

My son has really enjoyed his logic studies.  I hope that yours go well!