Oxford Days; or, How Ross Got His Degree

Set in 1879, the story follows eighteen‑year‑old Frank Ross as he prepares to leave his provincial home for Oxford. Through conversations with his parish vicar, a country doctor, and a well‑meaning coach, he wrestles with questions of money, scholarship and the reputation of various colleges. The opening chapters turn the usual admission anxieties into a lively, almost instructional tour of the choices a newcomer faces.

Listeners are treated to a charming blend of memoir and handbook. As Ross settles into his chosen college, the narrative threads through the rhythm of a freshman term—Sunday services, dining halls, the river Eights, and the bustle of reading parties—offering clear snapshots of academic life, social rituals, and the practicalities of tuition and allowances. The witty, observational tone makes the book feel like a friendly senior student guiding a fresh entrant through the quirks of Oxford without ever sacrificing the humor of youthful uncertainty.