The deaf community in the West has endured radical changes in the past centuries. This historical volume tracks the changes in education and the social world of deaf people through the years. Topics covered include the attitudes toward the deaf in Europe and America, the evolution of communication and language and the increasing influence of education. Of particular interest is the way in which deafness has been increasingly humanized, rather than medicalized or pathologized, as it was in the past. Successful contributions to the deaf and non-deaf world by deaf individuals are also highlighted.