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SERIES Identifier: UAI 5.150

Writings,, 1869-1930 and undated

Scope and Contents

The Writing series reflects Eliot's great interest in public affairs. A prolific writer and speaker, Eliot became a counselor to the nation at large and was not shy about stating his opinions about various subjects to influence public opinion. In addition to matters related to education and Harvard University, this series includes, but is not limited to, Eliot's opinions on Civil Service reform, municipal government, conservation, public health and social hygiene, capital and labor, religion, presidential politics, public service and philanthropy, race relations, the proper conduct of life and character development, sports, war and peace, and American democracy. This series includes Eliot's ruminations both during his years as President of Harvard University and after his retirement until his death in 1926.

Documents in this series are news clippings, reports, reprints, drafts, proceedings, notes, letters, photographs, sketches, postcards, telegrams, pamphlets, outlines, lists, royalty statements, check stubs, contracts, and letters.

Dates

  • Creation: 1869-1930 and undated

Physical Description

11 cubic feet (29 document boxes, 2 card file boxes, 1 portfolio boxes)

Conditions on Use and Access

These records are open to researchers. Please consult the reference staff for details on how to obtain access. Some restrictions may apply.

Extent

90 cubic feet (205 document boxes, 40 portfolio boxes, 2 card file boxes, 3 microfilm reels, 1 oversized folder)

Arrangement

The Writings series has seven subseries:

  1. Addresses, Speeches, and Articles
  2. Inscriptions
  3. Briefs [i.e. brief speaking notes]
  4. Drafts
  5. The Religion of the Future
  6. The Harvard Classics
  7. Publisher's Correspondence

Related Materials

Eliot's earlier writings can be found in the Papers of Charles William Eliot, 1807-1945.

Neilson, William Allan, ed. Charles W. Eliot: The Man and His Beliefs. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1926. This book contains a selection of some of Eliot's writings.

Processing Information

Charles W. Eliot's writings were arranged in a variety of ways by library staff upon there accession in the 1920s and re-arranged at various times in subsequent years. These different types of arrangement schemes are reflected in this series. In all cases during the 2006 re-processing, the archivist attempted to maintain the original order and integrity of the material. Processing and arrangement details for each subseries are noted below.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Harvard University Archives Repository

Holding nearly four centuries of materials, the Harvard University Archives is the principal repository for the institutional records of Harvard University and the personal archives of Harvard faculty, as well as collections related to students, alumni, Harvard-affiliates and other associated topics. The collections document the intellectual, cultural, administrative and social life of Harvard and the influence of the University as it emerged across the globe.

Contact:
Pusey Library
Harvard Yard
Cambridge MA 02138 USA
(617) 495-2461