The University of Manitoba: An Illustrated History

Alexander D. Gregor is director of the Centre for Higher Education
Research and Development at the University of Manitoba and co-editor of
Postsecondary Education in Canada: The Cultural Agenda.

The University of Manitoba was prepared for the occasion of the
institution’s 125th anniversary in 2002. With the goal of reviewing
the highlights in the story of Western Canada’s oldest university in a
relatively brief and copiously illustrated volume, the book quite
deliberately is not representing itself as a systematic institutional
history. The author is, however, one of the country’s foremost
historians, so the account is balanced, honest, fair, and—where
appropriate—critical.

Bumsted is aware of the limitations imposed by the purpose and length
of the volume, and sensibly decides to deal in detail with only the
first hundred years (i.e., to 1977). The trends and major events of the
remaining quarter-century are covered in an epilogue that lays the
groundwork for a subsequent formal history, which the author clearly
feels is still necessary. His engagingly written book touches on the
major figures and events in the institution’s life, and provides
insights into the evolution of programs and curriculum. A major focus is
the academic and social life of students and faculty, including the
remarkable alumni who have made a significant impact nationally and
internationally.

Through extensive use of student newspapers and publications, and a
splendid collection of archival photographs and illustrations (at least
one on every page), Bumsted presents a fascinating human documentary
that will interest students and scholars of Canadian social history as
much as it will appeal to those directly involved with the institution
itself.