Making Harvard Modern: The Rise of America's University (Daniel Bell's book with his signature and 'markings upon almost every page', this quote in a copy of a letter he sent the authors)

Morton and Phyllis Keller

ISBN 10: 0195144570 / ISBN 13: 9780195144574

Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001

About this Item

First Edition (Number Line to 1). This book was previously owned by the renowned sociologist, Daniel Bell. He signed his name on the front end paper. I have listed and sold a good number of his books, but none with as many markings. Most of the markings are straight parenthetical lines next to paragraphs. There are also at least 1 1/2 dozen instances where he wrote a word or several words at the margin, often a name. Dr. Bell made a copy of a 'fan' letter he sent to the authors. It is dated December 25, 2001. At the top it states American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Down a little ways is printed 'Daniel Bell, Scholar in Residence.' It begins 'Dear Phyllis and Mickey' (apparently Morton's nickname). He states that he believes in writing authors a fan note when he likes their books. 'And I won't say which is which when I think I discern Morton's voice and Phyllis's knyock (neither Google, Google Translate or I know that word). He refers to the book as a very good institutional history with some very good, new information for anyone interested in Harvard. He wonders 'Is Harvard still the best?' Then 'I know-- compared to whom.' He wonders whether Larry Summers 'with his abrasive style may still stumble.' Suggests then that the authors may need to write a new epilogue. In praising the book he writes, with only a small amount of exaggeration 'I have markings on almost every page.' So this is quite a special book. It is also in very good condition. You can see the white and red covers in the photos. They are mostly quite clean, a speck or two and one thin line on the rear that is probably just a smooth scratch. The spine ends have the typical crinkling, no tears. The cover edges and corners are in excellent shape, no rubbing. The page edges are exceptionally clean. The book is very solidly bound from cover to cover with nicely tight pages throughout and nicely tight covers as well. It's a fairly thick book, 578 pages, and there are no binding issues. The interior of the book is in excellent condition. The pages appear to be perfectly clean. That includes the white inside covers and end papers. There is a fairly thin, vertical surface scuff on the front inside cover. I can't say it's inconspicuous having now noticed it, but it doesn't jump out at you. Perhaps the letter was at one point taped at its edge to the inside cover, though there is no indication of that on the letter. Besides being exceptionally clean, the pages are in excellent condition. I'm not finding any creasing, any page imperfections. There are no attachments of any kind. There are 16 pages of photographs, 34 photographs in total. They are all in excellent condition. You can see the dust jacket in the first few photos. It's in very solid shape. There are two very small spots on the front cover and you can see several on the rear cover in the third photo. I don't see any tears. The flaps are very clean. I don't see any conspicuous wear on either. The jacket is NOT price-clipped, not clipped at all. I have always had it in a fitted protective cover. The publishers are quite high on Harvard. The book is described as 'a candid portrait of America's greatest University, through seven decades of dramatic change. With verve, humor, and insight, Morton and Phyllis Keller tell the story of the rise of Harvard: a tale of compelling personalities, notable achievement, and no-less-notable academic pratfalls. Their book is based on rich and revealing archival materials, interviews and personal experience. This fascinating account, the comprehensive history of the modern American university, is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the present state and future course of higher education.'.

Seller Inventory # 005058

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Making Harvard Modern: The Rise of America's University (Daniel Bell's book with his signature and 'markings upon almost every page', this quote in a copy of a letter he sent the authors)
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, Oxford
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195144570
• ISBN 13: 9780195144574
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • One-Of-A-Kind
  • Crème de la crème
  • College, School, Education

About this title

Synopsis

A candid portrait of America's greatest university, through seven decades of dramatic change

About the Author

Morton Keller is Spector Professor of History at Brandeis, and has written extensively on American political and economic institutions. Phyllis Keller was the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences from the 1970s to the 1990s, and is the author of Getting at the Core, an inside look at the creation of Harvard's pioneering core curriculum.