Oxford and Cambridge

Historians Brooke and Highfield have produced a tastefully written and sumptuously illustrated history of the two oldest and most beautiful universities in the English-speaking world. The Golden Age of building at Oxford and Cambridge spanned the 14th through 16th centuries; the Golden Age of social and educational reform occurred some three centuries later, as religious tests for matriculation and graduation were abolished; tutorials, exams, and honors initiated; courses of study expanded to embrace modern-day learning; and women admitted. The photographs, stunning and eloquent, are reason enough to buy this book, but the textwith its humane judgment backed by deep and tolerant scholarshipdeserves high praise. Highly recommended. David Keymer, Coll. of Technology, Utica, N.Y. -Library Journal.