The author describes the course of events and the educational results in the five school districts whose litigation was consolidated for the Supreme Court's landmark decision on desegregation, Brown v. Board of Education (1954). Instead of fostering better race relations and improved academic performance, Wolters argues, the attempt to integrate the nation's schools has been a tragic failure.

"Wolters account is one that will irritate liberals and conservatives alike, but one they will long ponder. Critics and later researchers will question his findings. But his work, which cannot be ignored, is one of the most important books of recent years." --Franklin, Parker, National Forum

"A thoroughly researched and well-written description of the history of race relations since 1954 in the five school districts involved in the famous Brown decision.... The study is scholarly and a valuable vehicle for examination and debate of the issue of education and race." --L . E. Noble Jr., Choice

"His conclusion that federal judges have proved spectacularly inept as education al administrators, with disastrous reseults for the black student populations whom the courts have chiefly tried to benefit, is painstakingly supported with a wealth of grim evidence." --Virginia Quarterly Review