The question of the relationships between universities and the state is one of considerable current concern and debate. This book studies the development of the modern university system in England from the mid-nineteenth century to the outbreak of the Second World War, focusing on the role of the state. In this formidabe study, the author covers a range of key areas, including:

* a review of the reforms of the ancient universities, the creation of civic universities and the formation of the federal London University

* an examination of the co-ordinated system in the early years of the twentieth century and the inter-war period

* an analysis of universities as modenising agencies of the state

* a discussion of such issues as technical versus literary curricula, the clash between central and local authorities, and the output of universities in terms of the needs of the state and the economy.

Students of history and education, academic historians will find this an informative and important text.