The book is a collection of his previously unpublished 'essays' on/about a variety of topics.
There is no hint as to which of the approaches 'essayed' in this book will prove most useful.
He 'essayed' [='tried', 'attempted'] 'to restore' an emphasis on classical languages.
(..) I've never had a teacher like this. He's got two Ph.D.s. I don't know what he's doing at our school. - He's not like other teachers. - What's he got you reading? We got this essay exam on this book, Native Son. - All on this one book. - Native Son. I don't know that. DORIS: That's a big surprise. (..)1998 American History X