A new, comprehensive portrait of the University of Cambridge, covering everything from its small beginnings through to its plans for the future, is to be published to mark its 800th anniversary.

The University Of Cambridge – an 800th Anniversary Portrait, will give readers a panorama of Cambridge life, featuring contributions from its own alumni.

The commemorative book will trace the University’s growth and development from its beginnings in the Middle Ages, through to its modern status as one of the world’s premier academic institutions. It will then go on to consider how it aims to carry on playing that role in tomorrow’s world.

Aided by lively contributions from former students and staff, it will also seek to depict the University in all its dimensions, highlighting the roles of the Colleges and Schools, libraries and museums, as well as student societies and clubs. Pen portraits of some of the great teachers and thinkers to have emerged from within the University’s walls will also be included.

“What we will deliver will not be a history book as such, but an illustrated panorama of academic life and experience in Cambridge over eight centuries,” Third Millennium chairman Julian Platt said.

“It will feature the fantastic legacy of Cambridge architecture and treasures and contributions from famous living Cambridge alumni. The whole will add up to a true portrait of a constantly renewed, living community.”

The 304-page volume will be published by Third Millennium Information in time for the anniversary celebrations in 2009. It will be edited by Peter Pagnamenta, a Cambridge graduate and former head of BBC News and Current Affairs, whose extensive writing, editing and production credits include Panorama, the BBC series People’s Century and recent bestseller Falling Blossom, featured as BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week.

The editorial advisory board for the full-colour, hardback book will comprise a list of distinguished Cambridge academics and graduates, chaired by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Alison Richard. Third Millennium Information has previously produced similar works for Clare, Corpus Christi, Trinity Hall and Girton Colleges.

Any alumni wishing to submit material should write to: ‘Cambridge Contributions’ c/o TMI, 2-5 Benjamin Street, London EC1M 5QL or e-mail cambridge800@tmiltd.com, marking your message ‘Contributions’, no later than 1 July 2007. The book can be ordered through the website www.tmiltd.com at a special pre-publication price and will feature a list of subscribers.

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