First published in 1962, Frederick Rudolph's study, The American College and University, has been described as one of the most significant works on the history of higher education in America. Bridging the chasm between educational and social history, this book examines developments in higher education in the context of the social, economic and political forces that were shaping the nation at large. Surveying higher education from the colonial era through the mid-20th century, Rudolph explores a multitude of issues, from the financing of institutions and the development of curriculum to the education of women and blacks, the rise of college athletics and the complexities of student life. In his foreword to this new edition, John Thelin assesses the impact that Rudolph's work has had on higher education studies. The new edition also includes a bibliographic essay by Thelin covering major works in the field that have appeared since the publication of the first edition.