Many of the things I’ve said about Hazel Bell’s previous publications apply equally well to this one. Most of us would, I think, be too embarrassed to publish our early diary entries for scrutiny by all and sundry. Even the famous rarely have their diaries published while they are still living. If I were to reveal the contents of the diaries I kept while a student, they would not make interesting reading. "Saw B – he’s gorgeous", for example, or "Had a tutorial with Miss K".

Hazel Bell – or Hazel Macaulife as she was when she wrote the diary whose highlights are included in this little booklet – must see herself as a representative of a bygone age. Certainly undergraduate life in the 1950s bore little resemblance to the present day, and it might make salutary reading for those currently receiving a further education at public expense:

She also mixed with some big names: "Neville Coghill gave an excellent lecture on Chaucerian manners, at which J.B.W. [John Wain] was chairman and I was ecstatic…"

On the other hand, it is apparent that young Miss Macaulife led a very full social life. "Have spent a glorious day with Avril and Belinda, playing table tennis, rowing, cycling, and concluding with a visit to the swimming baths and coffee in Bindy’s room…"

One thing today’s students will find they have in common with young Hazel is the need to earn a bit of extra cash. She finds a job for the summer vacation, selling ice cream on the seafront at Bognor. No doubt she spent her income somewhat differently from a 21^st century student.

The diary ends suddenly in October1956, our heroine having got married on July 14^th to her first love, Colin Bell (not the footballer). I imagine she was far too busy to think about keeping a diary after that. I wonder how many newly-weds nowadays would be prepared to tackle their final year at university. Hazel seems to have taken it all in her stride!