"The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" is a novel by Muriel Spark, published in 1961. It is set in a girls' school in Edinburgh, Scotland, and tells the story of Jean Brodie, a charismatic and unconventional teacher who exerts a powerful influence on her students.
Miss Brodie is a strong-willed and independent woman who is determined to shape the lives of her "Brodie set" of favorite students. She imparts her own unconventional views on politics, art, and romance to the girls, and encourages them to think for themselves and live life to the fullest. However, her actions and beliefs eventually lead to her downfall, as she becomes embroiled in a scandal and is eventually dismissed from the school.
"The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of education, relationships, and the dangers of ideological extremism. It is known for its sharp wit, its memorable characters, and its portrayal of the complex dynamics of teacher-student relationships. The novel has been widely praised for its insights into human nature and its depiction of the complicated inner lives of its characters. It was adapted into a successful stage play and a film.