Student life in the 19th Century
Student life in the 19th Century
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Student Life in the 19th Century is an autobiographical memoir written by John Wright (Trinity College 1813-19). It was originally published in 1827 as Seven Years at the University of Cambridge, but never reprinted. It gives fascinating details about student life, including examinations, misbehaviour in chapel, teaching, riotous and sexual misconduct, sport, and hunting. The author was a successful student, but due to a series of misadventures graduated with a pass degree, and failed to gain a college fellowship. He went into Grub Street and published over 20 books, mostly on mathematics. After his marriage failed and his children were sent to the workhouse, he turned to crime, was convicted and transported to Tasmania, where he died in 1842. The new edition by Christopher Stray (University of Exeter Press 2023) includes a full introduction to Wright's life and work and extensive annotations.
Speakers
Dr Christopher Stray (Sidney Sussex 1966)
Dr. Christopher Stray is a Cambridge Classics graduate. He taught in schools before undertaking research on the history of education and has held prominent visiting positions at the universities of Cambridge, Yale and Princeton. Christopher has published widely on the history and sociology of classical education and scholarship, universities and examinations and institutional slang.
Booking information
In-person lectures at the Sidgwick Site as part of Alumni Festival cost £15 per person.
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