Support the Legacy of A.C. Benson

The order deadline has now passed. If you have any questions, please contact the Alumni and Development Office at alumni@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Support the Legacy of A.C. Benson.

A.C. Benson, celebrated essayist, poet, and 28th Master of Magdalene College (1915–1925), was a man of extraordinary vision. His leadership and generosity transformed Magdalene, leaving an enduring mark on the College’s history. Best known for penning the lyrics to Land of Hope and Glory, Benson’s other published works are now largely forgotten. But for 30 years he kept a copious diary – shrewdly observant, mercilessly frank, and vastly entertaining.

Previously known mainly from the small selection published by Percy Lubbock in 1926, when most of those mentioned in it were still alive, the diary’s brilliance was discretely obscured. This comprehensively annotated new selection, spanning over 350,000 words, provides abundant evidence of his vast network of friends among politicians, musicians, writers and academics, his eye for telling detail, his sardonic and irreverent humour, and the pivotal role he played in Magdalene’s development.

The new edition is the result of a five-year collaboration between Eamon Duffy FBA (1979) and Professor Ronald Hyam (1960), both renowned scholars and well-loved figures in the Magdalene community.

Support the publication of this landmark project by pre-ordering your copy through a Victorian-style subscription model where readers pay in advance for their book:

• Pre-Order Subscriber – £80.00
  Receive the book in a beautiful binding, with your name listed in the back as a supporter. Postage within the UK is included, however overseas postage will cost more.
• Benson Benefactor Subscriber - POA 
  Please contact the Development Director if you are interested in discussing this unique opportunity of joining a handful of Members who are supporting this important publication by becoming a Benson Benefactor Subscriber.

All pre-order subscribers will be invited to an exclusive book launch in June 2025. This special event will offer the opportunity to meet with the authors and celebrate this milestone publication with fellow supporters and Magdalene Members.

Your support helps bring this definitive publication to life and secures your place in the history of this unique project.

Order Deadline: 9am, 24 March 2025