The History of the Rhodes Trust 1902-1999 - Review

Contemporary Review, Sept, 2001

The History of the Rhodes Trust 1902-1999. Anthony Kenny, editor. Oxford University Press. [pound]60.00. 606 pages. ISBN 0-19-920191-9. This collection of essays, edited by Sir Anthony Kenny, Warden of Rhodes House from 1989-1999, is the first full history of the Trust established under the will of Cecil Rhodes.

The Trust's main work has been, of course, in sponsoring the 6,000 'scholars' from the Empire, the U.S. and Germany who have come to Oxford to study. Not surprisingly, the bulk of the ten contributions in this volume concentrates on these scholarships. Less well known are the Trust's valuable contributions to a variety of good causes within the University of Oxford. After an introductory essay on the work of the Trust by Sir Anthony there are essays on Rhodes scholarships in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe and Zambia), and in the 'smaller constituencies' (that is New Zealand, the West Indies, Malta, India, Africa and the New Commonwealth), an essay on the T rust in the Age of Empire and finally an Afterword by the editor. While the scholarship scheme failed in its main purpose -- to increase international understanding and prevent war among the Empire, Germany and the U.S. -- it has affected the lives of thousands and strengthened the special relationship between Britain and the U.S. by introducing those set to join each country's governing class to one another.