The focus in this history of the University of Maine's first century is on the problems facing administrators and trustees in keeping the institution alive and growing in an environment both politically and socially hostile to public higher education. The establishment and growth of the early university are described, and special periods in its history are given particular attention: the two world wars and the depression. The inner life of the university is also considered, and student life is portrayed from the spartan existence of the early days to the more elaborate patterns of the 1950's and l960's. Social life, fraternities, and athletics are included. Documentation includes many photographs and other illustrations from the university archives. (MSE)