This book contains an innovative and important series of studies of the complex relations of major cities associated with key moments in the history of higher learning in the West. By exploring the interplay of university learning and civic culture over the centuries, Bender provides a novel perspective on the history of both universities and cities. The theme is pursued in studies of Bologna, Paris, Florence, Leiden, Geneva, Edinburgh, London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Chicago, and New York by several distinguished scholars, including Gene Brucker, Carl Schorske, Edward Shils, Martin Jay, and Nathan Glazer.
Remarkably instructive about both universities and cities. --
Journal of Interdisciplinary History A stimulating volume which poses important questions, and ought to be read by every vice-chancellor who is concerned with the state of relations between his university and its host city. --
Journal of Ecclesiastical History Remarkably instructive about both universities and cities. --
Journal of Interdisciplinary History An essential addition to any academic library, it will be particularly useful to graduate students and upper-division undergraduates. --
CHOICE A very valuable volume--focusing original research on a very important topic. The authors are all recognized experts on their topics and all write with a sense of style and of the importance of their subject. --
Higher Education The most brilliant essay in the book...goes some way to chart the beginnings of the metropolitan university....One of the merits of [this] collection...is that it provokes a closer look at what Bender sees as the alternative model of the university, and the alleged relation of greensward and garden with speculative thought and the education of the whole man. --
Times Literary Supplement