This work forms part of the tenth-anniversary celebrations of the University of Glamorgan. It traces the institution's development from its beginnings as the South Wales and Monmouthshire School of Mines to its present-day status as a university and sets that history in the context of the university's environment. The opening chapter by Meic Stephens looks at the growth of Pontypridd from a hamlet into an industrial town and describes the cultural and social context leading up to the opening of the School of Mines. This is followed by studies from Peter Harris on the period from 1913-39 and Basil Isaac on the period 1939-92. There are also chapters on adult education (Keith Davies), the social and economic context in which the university now operates (David Adamson), and an epilogue by Adrian Webb which outlines the institution's present role and its future mission.