Although Dr. Erwin Runkle wrote this history of Penn State during the 1930s, only now is it widely available through The Nittany Valley Society's first-time publication. His meticulous reconstruction of the University's birth and growth-from the revolution in American education that sparked its founding to its establishment as Pennsylvania's land-grant college-brings the Penn State story to life with a rare blending of keen attention to detail and uncommon warmth. Runkle's opinionated, but affectionate narration offers a revealing vision of the Nittany Valley's rich past. Virtually every page holds a new treasure for any heart that truly loves the name of Dear Old State. Captured directly from Runkle's type-written manuscript and presented for a contemporary audience with an original introduction by former University trustee and renowned collector of Penn State historical artifacts George Henning, this book will make a rare and special addition to the library of any Penn Stater.