The efforts of Mary Lyon, virtually singlehandedly, to raise money, recruit students, and plan the academic development of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, founded in 1837, are detailed in this book. The founder sought to educate women through rigorous application of the intellect, which she believed to lead to salvation. In doing so she demonstrated that young women were intellectually capable of doing college work, and that such an institution could be both academically successful and solvent. The history of the school throughout many phases in its development is chronicled, with particular attention to the individuals involved, including John Todd, Daniel Safford, Andrew Porter, and Edward Hitchcock. Photographs, a bibliography, notes, and an index are included. (Author/MSE)