LibraryGeorge J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives

2.5 linear feet.

Catalog Number: M110

Agency History / Biographical 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.

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.

Provenance:

Cite as: Charles H. Livingston Autograph Collection, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library.
Access Restrictions: None.