Showing 173 results

Thanks C for letter of 12 November. B be delighted to serve on committee.

Signed E.A.B., A.B.S., G.K.C., D.W.B., M.C.K. Committee carefully considered Provost of Oriel's memorandum of 28 July 1947 and reply sent by Secretary-General of Faculties. They recognise force of many of G.N. Clark's arguments and would add difficulty in persuading American historians to accept Chair in view of financial sacrifice entailed. None the less committee recommend: that present regulations remain in force for 2 more years since there been insufficient experience of existing scheme. Clark suggests there will have been 4 years experience by end of academic year but for various reasons scheme did not work as intended in 1944-5 or 1946-7. Therefore feel that appointment of visiting professor under existing arrangements should be made for 1949-50 and 1950-51. Committee recommend that when present regulations come up for reconsideration by Council of Senate and General Board in 1948 these bodies should be invited to sanction appointments under existing scheme as far as 1951, but to defer reconsideration of permanent settlement by not more than 1 year. Felt by committee that longer period of consideration be required than 8-9 months particularly if substantial action to be taken, and that Faculty Board should reconsider position in 1 year's time. Committee concluded that primary need is for an Economic Historian and believe Walter Rostow, formerly Professor at Harvard, now working in Geneva, is available. Rostow originally a Rhodes Scholar and held Chair of American History at Oxford, has no present academic appointment and if approached immediately likely to be available for 1949-50. Failing Rostow committee recommend Professor A.M. Schlesinger Jr., Associate Professor at Harvard, then Professor Allan Nevins. Schlesinger a Peterhouse man and recent winner of Pulitzer prize. Nevins already known to Board. Believe that both be willing to come but Professor Schlesinger might find it easier to be released by his University. Should Rostow accept for 1949-50 committee recommend that other 2 be approached for 1950-51 and that approaches should be made as soon as possible after Rostow's decision known.

Present arrangement by which appointments to Chair made by Council of Senate to be reviewed during next academic year. After 4 years experience of this system C thinks it should be given up as soon as possible and regular Board of Electors constituted. Proved difficult to conduct preliminary enquiries and correspondence regularly and satisfactorily, thinks it should be more formal and dealt with by body not concerned with any other business. Sometimes said that constitution of Board of Electors prejudge type of appointment to Chair. University should by this time be in position to decide this question for considerable period. So far professors appointed been Americans who held office for short time so that their influence stimulating but not continuous - doesn't think strong school of American history can be built up this way. Sometimes suggested that University lecturers supply necessary continuity while visiting professors appointed to bring expertise in various fields. More satisfactory if continuity provided by professor and encouragement for special studies comes from more junior people. This mean that Englishmen be appointed to Chair and this be highly desirable. Chair of American History at Oxford restricted to Americans so Oxford cannot build up independent school of American history in which English critical methods applied to American materials. Be great advantage for study of American history if it pursued by greater number of professors whose methods been formed outside US since they alone could make kind of contribution which been made by American and continental scholars in study of English history. Hopes regular Board of Electors be constituted and that it not think it necessary to draw up conditions for holding Chair in such a way as to make sacrifices to continuity in order to open way for American candidates.

Noting that due to the indisposition of Dr Karl Compton the Pilgrim Trust Lecture would not be held on 6 May 1943. Above this is a MS note signed by Harold Jeffreys saying 'Dear Master, This answers your question of last night.'

List of 5 possible authors and titles for the American Life and Institutions series. Dean W.L. Sperry 'Religion in America' published 1945. Dr W.G. Smillie Public Health in the USA (agreement signed 18 May 1945): S started his MS in 1946 but in May 1947 wrote to say his book might clash with one on 'Government in Public Health' published in USA by Dr H. Mustard. B felt Mustard's book more technical and professional than one wanted for series, but wrote to S in August 1947 agreeing to let matter stand. Prof. A.L. Goodhart American Government (no agreement): G stated in April 1949 that he hoped to start MS at end of month. They asked if he could suggest date for delivery of MS but he didn't reply. Dr R.M. Hutchins American Education (no agreement): H stated in June 1947 that he hoped to begin MS in January 1948 but they heard nothing further. Prof. W.G. Constable Art in America (no agreement): C first approached in 1943. He interested and Roberts wrote to him about kind of book they had in mind. They asked about MS in March 1947 but don't seem to have had reply. Dr K.K. Darrow The Physical Sciences in America: wrote on 30 December 1949 suggesting terms of publication but have had no reply. At top of page is written 28.2.50 for RJLK.

Puts the case for the teaching of American history in schools, with a list of topics.

Gives address of Scientific Research Department of American Embassy. Prof. A.C. Egerton is arranging Prof. K. Compton's visit.

Books on following subjects particularly needed: negroes, indians, social services, women (in public life, in business and professions, women's clubs), architecture, art, music, newpapers, engineering achievements (especially Alaska Highway, Panama Canal, Pan-American Highway, San Francisco bridges), USA at war, agriculture, education, labour, theatre, sport, public health and hygiene, Alaska, American songs (spirituals, cowboy songs, old favourites etc.), collection of colour reproductions of Currier and Ives. 1p. 2 copies, 1 with MS addition 'Biological Science'.

Anthology of writings of American historians of modern school such as Commager, Morison, Schlesinger, Dodd, Turner, Carl Becker, J.T. Adams etc. One volume biographies of Washington, Jefferson, Lee, and Lincoln.

Meeting of Committee on American Books will be held at C.U.P. 23 February 12 noon.