This is the first attempt for many years to provide a concise, illustrated history of the University of Cambridge from its origins in the thirteenth century up to the present day. It shows how the University has evolved in reaction both to external forces and to internal movements for "reform", and conveys some impression of the day-to-day experiences of students, teachers and university administrators throughout the University's long history. This account should prove useful both as a handbook for immediate reference and as an attractive general introduction to the subject.