Cambridge: Treasure Island in the Fens

by Nicholas Chrimes

Treasure Island in the Fens

Genres: History

322 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Hattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I’d officially finished reading all the books I’d had since uni, then spotted this massive tome in my shelf. I think my dad bought me this from Heffers while I was studying there, possibly as a graduation present.

Interesting to find that (as far as I can work out) this was written by an amateur local historian/Cambridge tour guide, who couldn’t get it officially published in England, but it got taken up by a publisher in China, where it was so successful that he’s now a visiting professor at a Chinese university.

Contains reasonably numerous typos.

There’s something interesting in itself about reading a history book 10 years out of date - e.g. there’s a throwaway comment about the state/outside world not really caring any more about the decorations inside the college chapels (compared to the reformation), but actually there has since been quite a hoo haa about the rustat memorial plaque in Jesus college chapel and whether it should be removed.

Quotes:
With only two properly established universities in England between 1209 and 1832, when Durham University opened, Cambridge and Oxford have contributed immensely to the homogeneity of English society. Other European countries, with a greater number of regional universities, had less united elites.

The cuckoo places its eggs among those laid by the reed warbler. Once the eggs hatch, the louder cry of the cuckoo chick wins more food from the reed warbler than do those of the warbler's own young.
Through the parasitism of its parent, the cuckoo chick grows strong at the expense of those among whom it lives. Reed warblers and the townsfolk of Cambridge, both native to East Anglia, have each struggled because of powerful incomers. 😅

For those young students seeking certainties in a chaotic age at an unsettled time of their lives, the evangelicals at Holy Trinity and St Andrew the Great have much to offer and both churches draw large numbers of students. This conservative end of the theological spectrum, offering firm boundaries which prescribe both behaviour and belief, has proved attractive to young members of the university. Conversely, college chaplains offer a more liberal, less certain, approach to Christianity.

There are very few spires in Carbridge, or indeed in East Anglia; Oxford is the university of spires. The specialities of Cambridge are solid imposing towers and small practical pinnacles which help hold a building upright - perhaps in keeping with the generally serious and practical nature of the Cambridge academician.

[Mark Latchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a marvellously constructed and very well researched history of Cambridge, one of the greatest universities in the world and an equally interesting English town. Rather than a dull chronological monologue, the author has divided his writing along themed chapters covering an extraordinary diversity of topics including architecture, the role of women, colleges, libraries, the role of the churches, parks, sports, chapels, libraries and so much more. Key alumni are discussed right through to recent graduates as well as the unique history over nearly a thousand years that has shaped this most distinguished of universities. The prose is relatively light and often witty. Complimenting the 300 pages of writing are numerous drawings from across the town. (I would have liked to see more especially in the architecture chapter or photographs). The author is a well- known and extremely well-read guide on Cambridge. I just wished we had more than three days in the town (where I did pick up the book last June) m. After reading this gem, we could have used a week or more exploring in great depth. Recommended for graduates and visitors alike.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 600 page book typed on 300 pages. He mentions trouble getting it published based on length and now I agree.
A chore to read even though it’s one of my favorite subjects. Of note, 90% about the university and only a smidgen about the town.
Lots of typos that a professional editor would’ve caught.
Telling that this book about the university, sold in their bookstore, wasn’t published by CUP.

[Andre Perrucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live in Cambridge and wanted to read this book to learn more about the history of the town as well as the university. Despite stating "The 800 year (sic) story of the University and town of Cambridge, 1209 to 2009", the book is more about the history of the university. Particularly interesting is the chapter "A Cuckoo in the Nest" that describes the power struggle between the town and the university over the centuries.

There is plenty of details and trivia about the buildings, famous students and incredible links between Cambridge and other parts of the world.

It is a fascinating book, richly illustrated and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to know more about the history of its famous University.

[Arnut Pongprueksa · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books about the uni and town ! Those who study here should at least have a little peek into the local stories through this book.

[Jasper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting book, but most interesting for people who know Cambridge well

[Tazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this book on a whim at the Cambridge University Press bookshop. A marvellously vivid and detailed history of Cambridge university and its colleges.Would highly recommend for anyone interested in the integral role Cambridge has and continues to play in the very heart of the UK's education system and the institution's long standing sponsorship by the government and the Crown.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read. As a student at Cambridge during the 800th Anniversary it was very enjoyable learning about the wider history of one of the world's most renowned universities. The early chapters about the formation and rigours of the medieval university are especially good.