This work consists of 35 beautiful photographs of Cornell University and its surroundings. It is bound along its left edge by means of a tasseled cord, thereby allowing removal of the photos. Although no copyright date or author is given, the photos appears to date to the late 1800s.

The photographs are sepia - toned photogravures of fine quality. Many of Cornell’s major buildings of the era are shown, including such halls as White, Goldwin- Smith, Sibley, Morrill, Risley, Rockefeller, Boardman, Sage Chapel, and Sage College (which now houses graduate school offices). Many of the photos offer views easily recognizable today, while others (Boardman College, which used to house the law school, and an edifice labelled ”the Veterinary College”) show buildings that have since disappeared. One labelled “The Library” is now the Uris undergraduate library, with McGraw Tower. Only one photograph shows students, and from their apparel, it dates to late 1800s to early 1900s; among them are two young women, apparently changing classes with the others. Internal evidence may allow the publication date to be pinpointed. The book includes photos of the Armory (built in 1883), Boardman Hall (built in 1892) and the original Veterinary building (1896), but Stimson Hall (built in 1902) is not included.

The sheer beauty of the Cornell campus and its surroundings are readily apparent from these old photographs. Large expanses of pristine, open space are shown, only some of which are now occupied with buildings. Included in the collection are views of Beebe Lake and Triphammer Falls in the heart of campus, as well as the other major waterfalls and gorges of the Ithaca area -- Cascadilla Gorge, Ithaca Gorge, and Buttermilk Falls, and both Taughannock Falls (in Trumansburg) and Lucifer Falls (in Enfield).

Not many copies of this antique publication appear to be in existence. An internet search of online booksellers turned up only one, although at very reasonable price. Cornell alumni and faculty will enjoy the walk through history this book provides --if not brought to misty - eyed reminiscence. ( )