Much more than a grouping of eight colleges and universities, the Ivy League--with its hallowed halls, private clubs, and grassy quadrangles--is the consummate reward of the American Dream. Captured in countless novels, films, and television shows, and mentioned in everyday conversations around the globe, these centuries-old institutions stand proudly as universal symbols of one of America's greatest strengths--its world-renowned education system. Representing the apex of academic achievement, the Ivy League is also a gateway to the socially powerful and elite, making it the wish of all parents for their children. But that's only the beginning. Taking a close-up look at each of these campuses, Harvard alumnus Daniel Cappello illustrates the unique spirit of each school and determines what sets them apart--from the presidents they've trained to the silver-screen characters they've inspired; from the size of their endowments to the number of celebrities they enroll; from dominant political stances to athletic rivalries, architectural styles, and popular fashion.