The Durham Difference spans the birth, infancy and maturity of the country’s third oldest university, from its roots as a monastic institution and the award of its Royal Charter in 1837 to become one of the most highly regarded universities in the country with an outstanding record both in teaching and research in science and a great many other subjects.
The author, Nigel Watson, a former graduate of the University, has thoroughly researched original records and drawn on hitherto untapped reminiscences of staff and students from various generations, which bring the book brilliantly to life. In his foreword, the Chancellor and world-famous author, Dr Bill Bryson, says: ‘‘It is my private conviction that you can tell that you are in a good university town from the moment of arrival, in much the way you can often sense the presence of sea before you actually see it .… And nowhere that I know of is that happy air of productive, brainy toil more winningly offset by architectural glory than in Durham. What other universities, after all, can claim a castle and cathedral at their very heart …… ’’
This is the only university based in a world heritage site and hence the ancient city of Durham is steeped in history. Its beautiful environment provides the opportunity for superb photographs, specially commissioned for the book (produced in a large, art-book format), as well as myriad illustrations of life in the University since its foundation.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, in his foreword added: ‘‘This book provides a showcase for one of the world’s historic Universities. Durham University, the third oldest in England, was a place of scholarship and influence for a millennium before the University was formally established.’’
Alongside the new history title, the University has also published another highly illustrated book for the 175th anniversary, entitled Treasures of Durham University Library. Further details on this publication are available direct from the Palace Green Library on:
E-mail:pg.library@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3342932
Order Online:
Take advantage of the UK online price of £30.50 (incl. p&p) for The Durham Difference. Overseas delivery £37.50 (incl. surface mail postage). Airmail rates also available. To order a copy by phone or e-mail contact Carolyn Moralee on:
E-mail:alumni.office@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 3346305
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