Description
The William Torrey Harris papers, 1857-1909, consists of letters, manuscripts, typescripts, notes, and leaflets collected
and created by noted 19th century educator, philosopher and lexicographer William Torrey Harris. In addition to letters from
major philosophers of the period, including John Dewey, Josiah Royce, William James, and George H. Howison, the collection
also contains manuscripts and notes penned by Harris and material related to the Philosophical Union of the University of
California. Harris (1835-1910) was the editor of the Journal of Speculative Philosophy, and one of the founders of both the
"St. Louis Movement" and the Concord School of Philosophy. A prolific author, he also edited and published early work by William
James, Josiah Royce, and John Dewey, and introduced Hegel to the American intellectual scene.
Background
William Torrey Harris (1835-1909) was an American educator, lexicographer, and philosopher. Born in Connecticut, Harris graduated
from Phillips Andover Academy and enrolled at Yale University, but left in his junior year. He moved to St. Louis, where he
accepted a position as a teacher of shorthand in the St. Louis public school system. He eventually rose to become the superintendent
of schools in that city, a post he held from 1867 to 1880. Shortly after his arrival in St. Louis, Harris became interested
in modern German philosophy, specifically the work of Hegel. From 1867 to 1893, Harris edited the Journal of Speculative Philosophy,
the quarterly publication of the St. Louis Philosophical Society (of which he was co-founder) and the first such journal to
be published in the United States and in English. In 1873, Harris, with Susan E. Blow, founded the first permanent public
school kindergarten in St. Louis. In 1880, Harris moved to Concord, MA where he helped establish the Concord School of Philosophy;
he lectured at the School until 1889, when he accepted the position of United States Commissioner of Education, a post he
held until 1906. In 1906, he was awarded the first meritorious award by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
He published many books on both education and philosophy, including "The Psychological Foundations of Education" (1898).
Extent
1.88 Linear feet
5 boxes
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
Advance notice required for access.