Customer Reviews

Alma Mater- 2nd Ed

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I really liked the way Helen Lefkowitz Horowitz looked at the physical structure and plan of the seven sister colleges to interpret their varying purposes and views on higher education of women. I am currently studying the history of Radcliffe, and I found Alma Mater enlightening and valuable.

I thought it was quite good, but from the cover blurbs I was hoping it was going to discuss UM at some point in relation to the classic architecture at the Seven Sisters, which it never did. It also cuts off just before WW2 and for the length I was expecting it to continue until the modern building era. It does have TONS of archival photos and notes in it though, so if you're looking for a readable reference on the subject I would highly recommend this book. It was also quite interesting to see how conceptualizations of women were reinforced by building design because it is something I've never considered. I also wish I had read this while I was in high school because it might've influenced me to apply to one of the Seven Sisters instead of going to a large public university like UM. I know at the time I thought single sex education was silly, but after reading about the traditions at these schools I was moved and have slightly regretted not exploring that educational avenue.