title: Skulls and Keys: The Hidden History of Yale's Secret Societies
author:  David Alan Richards 
description: Full of intriguing revelations and even a little skulduggery.<br /> - <strong><em>Kirkus Reviews</em></strong><br /><br />In his book, Richards, a member of Skull and Bones, crafts an extensive historical narrative about the place of secret societies son Yales campus and within the American public imagination.<br /> - <strong><em>Yale News</em></strong><br /><br />Given the secrecy of secret societies, we may never uncover all there is to know, but with<em>Skull and Keys</em>, David Richards comes as close as possible to giving us full and rich pictures of Yales distinctive and peculiar institutions. Those interested in Final Clubs at Harvard and Eating Clubs at Princeton will find much to ponder comparatively. And those interested in the history of Yale, of elites, of higher education, and of America over the course of two centuries will learn much from Richards prodigiously researched, engaging, and thoughtful book. They will find out about the history of collegiate rituals, changing patterns of American elitism, the connections between the local and the nationalincluding how the welcomed and increased diversity of undergraduates in New Haven collided with traditional and often entrenched institutions and practices.<br /> - <strong>Daniel Horowitz, Yale 1960, professor emeritus of History at Smith College, and author of "On the Cusp: The Yale College Class of 1960 and the World on the Verge of Change"</strong><br /><br />History illuminates the past and guides us in the future. Yales secret societies have been mysterious, misunderstood, and maligned. In the context of Yale history, David Richards has done a superb job of exploring and explaining these unique institutions. This book will inform the reader and help open a new, intelligent discussion about higher education and leadership.<br /> - <strong>Henry Chauncey, Jr., Secretary and Director of Admissions, Yale University</strong>
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  ![Presidents’ Secrets](images/cover.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  PRESIDENTS’ SECRETS
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![Presidents’ Secrets](images/title.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Published with assistance from the foundation established in memory of  
  Calvin Chapin of the class of 1788, Yale College.
  
  
  
  
  
  Copyright © 2017 by Mary Graham. All rights reserved.
  
  
  This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, including illustrations,  
  in any form (beyond that copying permitted by Sections 107 and 108 of the  
  U.S. Copyright Law and except by reviewers for the public press),  
  without written permission from the publishers.
  
  
  
  
  
  Yale University Press books may be purchased in quantity for educational,  
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  [sales.press@yale.edu](mailto:sales.press@yale.edu)  
  (U.S. office) or [sales@yaleup.co.uk](mailto:sales@yaleup.co.uk) (U.K.
  office).
  
  
  
  
  
  Set in Time Roman type by IDS Infotech Ltd., Chandigarh, India.
  
  
  Printed in the United States of America.
  
  
  
  
  
  ISBN 978-0-3