Summary
This volume details the 1873-1972 period of Cambridge University Press's history, documenting how its history became a multivolume undertaking. The initial conversations among participants led to the realization that the complete history would necessarily be very large, requiring a significant commitment of time and resources over multiple years. This volume provides a specific account of that extended historical project.
The narrative describes the development of a multivolume history for the Press, emerging from initial discussions and evolving into a large-scale, long-term project. Readers gain insight into the practicalities and scale involved in documenting the Press's history over a century.
Key concepts
- Multivolume history — A history that is published in multiple, distinct volumes.
- Undertaking — A large and significant project or task.
From the book
Title: A History of Cambridge University Press: Volume 3, New Worlds for Learning, 1873-1972 by David McKitterick
Description: The third and final volume of A History of Cambridge University Press, covering 1873-1972.
Snippet: ... <b>multi - volume</b> history seems to <b>have</b> emerged from conversations ; but these conversations were led at first by ... <b>undertaking</b> would necessarily <b>be</b> very large and , even though spread over a number of years , would <b>be</b> a ...
Popular questions readers ask
- Why do you think a "multi-volume history" emerged from "conversations" rather than a formal directive? What does this suggest about the nature of such a large undertaking within an institution like Cambridge University Press?
- How would you explain the "undertaking" described in the snippet to a peer who has no context? What specific elements make it "very large," and what information is missing that would help you fully articulate its scope?
- What are the unique challenges and potential benefits of spreading such a "very large" history project "over a number of years" compared to a more concentrated effort?
- Considering this is Volume 3, how might the initial "conversations" and the recognition of the project's vastness have shaped the way historical periods were divided or approached across the entire multi-volume series?
- If the project's origin story is described in this way, what assumptions might a reader of Volume 3 make about the intellectual commitment and institutional support behind the entire series?