University politics

the long version

"This entertaining new account of Cambridge around the turn of the twentieth century contains the complete text of F. M. Cornford's famous satire of 1908 on University politics, Microcosmographia Academica, together with a full account of the controversies which gave rise to it." "Cambridge during this period was being subjected to pressure for reform from within and outside the University, forcing it to change the content of the existing syllabuses and to extend the range of subjects taught; to alter the balance between teaching and research, and the relationship between the Colleges and the University; to develop modern science in the curriculum; to widen University membership, above all by admitting women; to question the influence of religion; and to raise funds without compromising the University's independence to do what it liked. All these matters, many of which remain in debate at the end of the twentieth century in Cambridge and in the wider academic community, provoked fierce debates and provided a rich context for Cornford's pamphlet."--BOOK JACKET.