Wilfred Byron Shaw
The University of Michigan
"The University of Michigan" by Wilfred Byron Shaw is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book aims to provide a survey of the University of Michigan's development and its key incidents and personalities rather than serving as a comprehensive history. It chronicles the inception, challenges, and achievements of the university from its establishment to significant milestones in its educational journey. The opening of the book introduces the early days of the University of Michigan, beginning with the initial Board of Regents meeting in 1837. It highlights the challenges faced by the institution, from the limited resources to the ambitions of founding members, all set against the backdrop of a burgeoning settlement in Ann Arbor. The text emphasizes the idealism of the Regents and the foundational vision for a public university that would suit the educational needs of a growing state, establishing a new model for American higher education. Through its initial struggles, the university emerges as a practical success of state education, reflecting the evolving ideals within American education of the time.