Sydney: The Making of a Public University

From its beginnings in 1850, the University of Sydney was created as an institution to suit the needs of New South Wales, not simply reflect England's ancient universities. A founding principle was that academic merit alone regardless of religious beliefs or social upbringing would be the test for admission. Sydney, the Making of a Public University explores the principle of public engagement and how it came into practice and was shaped by succeeding generations. From staff, students and curriculum, to sports, philanthropy, faiths and research, Julia Horne and Geoffrey Sherington probe the meaning of the first hundred and sixty years of Sydney University, one of the first public universities in the world. Richly illustrated, Sydney, the Making of a Public University tells the story of the University of Sydney and its distinctively Australian character.