Everyone in higher education will be inspired and entertained by a classic guide for young and old academics. First published in 1908, the book resonates even today. Written by Francis Macdonald Cornford, who was educated and taught at Cambridge, the book is entitled ‘Microcosmographia Academica: Being a Guide for the Young Academic Politician’. This satire remains relevant today, and remains a must read for anyone with experience and a serious interest in an academic future. It is available online at http://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/~aar/baked/micro.pdf