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Charles H. Livingston French autograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: M110

  • Staff Only
  • Please use the Collection Organization section below to place requests.

Scope and Content

Letters, notes, documents, signed fair copies, etc.; approximately 800 items from more than 500 notable individuals, mostly from France, all items in French. All were prominent figures in their fields: literature, archeology, physics, chemistry, the church, theater, music, medicine, politics, and history (the container list has a complete list). While the inclusive dates cover four centuries, much of the material is dated between 1740-1900, many in the style used during the French Revolution.

A few names predominate, each with five or more items: Emile Deschamps; José Maria de Heredia; Victor Marie Hugo; Alphonse de Lamartine; Charles Marie René Leconte de Lisle; Prosper Merimée; Marie Mennessier Nodier; Eugène Scribe; René François Armand Sully-Prudhomme; Lèon Valade; and Alfred, Comte de Vigny. Stored as collected and arranged by Professor Livingston. Entries prepared according to the donor's notes; folders with multiple items noted. There is also a card file in alpha order by author with descriptive entries in French for the letters.

Dates

  • Creation: 1500-1923

Creator

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Biographical/Historical Note

The collection was compiled by Charles H. Livingston, Longfellow Professor of Romance Languages from 1945-1957, and member of the Bowdoin faculty, starting in 1921. It includes items by individuals in many fields and from several nations; but whoever the authors, the text is in French. Livingston acquired most of the pieces by purchase; his widow, Françoise Livingston, donated them to Bowdoin. The Charles H. Livingston Papers contains manuscripts and other records of his published works.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

French

Additional Description

Abstract

Letters, notes, documents, signed fair copies, etc.; approximately 800 items from more than 500 notable individuals, mostly from France, all items in French.

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Charles H. Livingston French Autograph Collection
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.