Sissons, C. B. (Charles Bruce), 1879-1965.

A history of Victoria University.

Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 1952.

vii, 346 pages illustrations, portraits

"MORE than one hundred years have gone by since Victoria College conferred the first degree granted in Upper Canada following a regular course of lectures. In the century which has passed, the scattered pioneer farms and backwoods communities of Upper Canada have grown into the rich countryside and great cities of the Province of Ontario. In due time, too, Victoria College became Victoria University, and a little later, allied itself with the University of Toronto to form part of the present unique federation of universities. From Victoria's doors have gone fourth generation after generation of alumni, many of whom have had outstanding careers in Canadian life. The buildings which today house Victoria University stand as impressive evidence of its growth and of the loyalty of students, teachers and alumni. In the minds of the alumni, however, and in those of many friendly onlookers, the special quality of Victoria University has little to do with architecture, whether it be the Gothic of a generation ago, or the functionalist style of today. Victoria graduates and friends feel that the University has its own distinctive personality. In this book, Professor Sissons- alumnus, professor, and historian-reveals teh basis of that personality. He tells of the idealism of the founders who began the pioneer college in the turbulent days of Upper Canada. He follows the student life of many generations, in both work and diversion, pictures the merits and foibles of a galaxy of professors, and as he does so the vivid personality of this university grows before out eyes. So long as histories such as this can be written, the modern university is in no danger of becoming a mere factory of learning. This history of Victoria University is the fruit of long research and intimate acquaintance; also of personal views, not lightly held. With good humor, but without apology, Professor Sissons explores questions exceedingly controversial in their time and still capable of arousing some warmth. Was the claim that there should be only one provincial university soundly based? Who were the real fathers of University Federation, and has their vision been justified? What cracks in the fabric did time reveal? Has Ontario found the solution, in higher education at least, for the respective claims of Church and State? Why was Victoria saved from serious upheavals which frequently attended the impact of science on theology? Not only Victoria graduates, but anyone who has become interested in the remarkable federation of independent universities comprising the University of Toronto, will find this book absorbing reading." Publisher

Victoria University (Toronto, Ont.) History.
Victoria University (Toronto, Ont.)

History

Location: Library main canada 17963
Call No.: 0005122
Status: Available