"One always has the sense with McPhee of a man at a pitch of pleasure in his work, a natural at it, finding out on behalf of the rest of us how some portion of the world works." –Edward Hoagland, The New York Times
"A fine portrait of an individualist's individualist." –
J. G. Herzberg, The New York Times "McPhee has produced an engaging portrait of an exceedingly engaging man." –
Alvin Beam, Cleveland Plain Dealer "The Headmaster is a record of a lifetime's striving to create perfection–a striving conducted with zest, vision, humor and an unbelievable capacity for work." –
John McKey, The Boston Globe