William H. McNeill received his BA and MA degrees from the University of Chicago, where he taught from 1947 until his retirement. His books include Mythistory and Other Essays, The Pursuit of Power, and The Rise of the West, all published by the University of Chicago Press.

"A stirring picture of a remarkable time at the University of Chicago and of a remarkable man." - Chicago Sun-Times "[McNeill] provides a view of the Hutchins years which is respectful and sober. The academic environment was divisive, the educational milieu was hot-house." - London Review of Books"