The Company He Keeps: A History of White College Fraternities

The Company He Keeps examines the history and evolution of white college fraternities in America from their founding in the early 1800s through the end of the twentieth century. The book traces how these organizations shaped and reflected changing definitions of masculinity, class, and power on college campuses. Through extensive research and archival materials, Syrett documents the practices, rituals, and social dynamics that defined fraternity life across different eras. The narrative follows key developments in fraternity culture, from their origins as literary societies to their emergence as social clubs and eventual transformation into the organizations known today. This historical analysis places fraternity culture within broader societal contexts, including class formation, gender roles, and racial dynamics in American higher education. The text draws connections between fraternity practices and larger cultural shifts in how masculinity and privilege have been performed and maintained. The book contributes to scholarship on gender, education, and social power by revealing how institutions can both preserve and adapt traditional hierarchies over time. Its examination of masculinity and brotherhood offers insights into the complex relationship between individual identity and group belonging in American society.

Readers note Syrett's thorough research and academic approach to fraternity history, with particular attention to how masculinity and class status shaped these organizations. What readers liked: - Detailed archival evidence and primary sources - Analysis of race, sexuality, and gender dynamics - Coverage of both famous and lesser-known fraternities - Clear writing style despite academic content What readers disliked: - Dense academic prose can be dry - Some repetition between chapters - Limited coverage of post-1970s fraternity culture - Focus primarily on elite northeastern schools One academic reviewer praised the book's "nuanced exploration of how fraternity men's relationships with women evolved over time." Multiple readers mentioned the value of examining fraternities' historical role in perpetuating social hierarchies. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) JSTOR: Positive reviews in multiple academic journals including Journal of American History and Journal of Social History

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🎓 Author Nicholas Syrett serves as Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas and has extensively researched masculinity in American history. 🏛️ The book reveals that early American college fraternities were founded partly in rebellion against faculty control, with members often conducting secret meetings to avoid administrative oversight. 🤝 During the 19th century, fraternity membership served as a crucial networking tool, helping members secure jobs through "brother" connections long before formal career services existed on campuses. 📚 The research draws from over 100 years of fraternity songs, photographs, meeting minutes, and membership materials from dozens of different organizations. 🎭 The book explores how fraternity culture shifted dramatically after World War II, moving from an emphasis on literary societies and debate clubs to a focus on social activities and parties.