The Modern University and its Discontents

This book examines the evolution of British and American universities, focusing on the influence of external factors and John Henry Newman's ideas.

In The Modern University and its Discontents, the author explores the evolution of the internal culture of British and American universities over the past two centuries. This examination is set against a backdrop of various external influences, including government policies, economic shifts, societal changes, and cultural developments. By using John Henry Newman's seminal work, The Idea of a University, as a foundational reference, the text delves into the complexities of modern academia and its historical roots.

The book presents a series of interlinked essays that serve as historical 'voyages' centered around Newman's intellectual contributions and the transformations in university structures and cultures during his lifetime. These essays bridge the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, primarily focusing on university history in Britain and the United States, while also making forays into continental Europe. This comparative approach allows for a richer understanding of how universities have navigated various challenges and changes.

Among the critical topics discussed are the development of student communities at prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, the emergence of a modern examinations culture, and the architectural evolution of university spaces. Additionally, the text addresses the competition among states, markets, and academic guilds for control over universities and the definition of their missions. Overall, The Modern University and its Discontents provides a thoughtful analysis of the intricate relationship between universities, government, and society.