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Ernest Dimnet - Anita Lawrence Simpson collection

 Collection
Identifier: GTM-GAMMS339

Collection-level Scope and Content Note

The Ernest Dimnet-Anita Lawrence Simpson collection consists mostly of letters written from noted French literary priest Ernest Dimnet to Anita Lawrence Simpson. The correspondence relates to their friendship, and it touches on some of Dimnet's works. The collection is contained in one small archival box (0.25 linear feet), and the documents are arranged in chronological order.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Abbe Ernest Dimnet was born at Trelon in the Ardennes in 1866. He studied at the Cambrai Cathedral School and Seminary, Lille University, and the Sorbonne. After being ordained a priest in 1893, he taught at Douai, at Lille University, and from 1902 to 1923 at the College Stanislas in Paris. Serving as a French correspondent, Reverend Dimnet wrote for the "Pilot" (1899-1903), the "North American Review" (1904-1909), and the "Saturday Review" (starting in 1909). He was forced to flee his home due to the German invasions in 1914 and 1940. Abbe Dimnet often traveled to the United States, where he had many friends and gave frequent lectures, including the Lowell Lectures in Boston in 1919. In 1907, he published "La Pensee Catholique dans l'Angleterre Contemporaine." Soon thereafter, in 1908, he wrote "Figures de Moines." In 1910, Abbe Dimnet produced "Les Soeurs Bronte." Just before World War I, he published "France Herself Again." The book "The Art of Thinking," brought out in 1928, was his most highly regarded work. His later books include two autobiographical volumes: "My Old World" and "My New World." Abbe Ernest Dimnet died in 1954 at the age of 88. [Sources: "Catholic Authors: Contemporary Biographical Sketches, 1930-1947." Ed. Matthew Hoehn. Newark: St. Mary's Abbey, 1948. Also, Abbe Dimnet's obituary from 1954 in Box 1 Folder 45 of the Dimnet-Simpson Collection.]

Anita Lawrence Simpson, friend of Ernest Dimnet, was an instructor of European languages and literature. After serving as a faculty member at Sarah Lawrence College, she taught at New London Junior College in New London, Connecticut. There she also coordinated the guidance program. For 11 months during World War II, Simpson was the acting president of New London Junior College, and she facilitated the resumption of normal academic programs after the war's end. She became a member of the college's board of trustees and was appointed dean emeritus. [Source: Newspaper Clipping in Box 1 Folder 46 of the Dimnet-Simpson Collection: "N.L. Junior College Graduates 81; Anna Lord Strauss, Mrs. Simpson and Waldo E. Clarke Are Honored," the New London, Connecticut "Evening Day," 6/14/1950.]

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Dates

  • 1925-1965
  • Majority of material found within 1925-1940

Collection-level Access Restrictions

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Biographical notes

Abbe Ernest Dimnet was born at Trelon in the Ardennes in 1866. He studied at the Cambrai Cathedral School and Seminary, Lille University, and the Sorbonne. After being ordained a priest in 1893, he taught at Douai, at Lille University, and from 1902 to 1923 at the College Stanislas in Paris. Serving as a French correspondent, Reverend Dimnet wrote for the "Pilot" (1899-1903), the "North American Review" (1904-1909), and the "Saturday Review" (starting in 1909). He was forced to flee his home due to the German invasions in 1914 and 1940. Abbe Dimnet often traveled to the United States, where he had many friends and gave frequent lectures, including the Lowell Lectures in Boston in 1919. In 1907, he published "La Pensee Catholique dans l'Angleterre Contemporaine." Soon thereafter, in 1908, he wrote "Figures de Moines." In 1910, Abbe Dimnet produced "Les Soeurs Bronte." Just before World War I, he published "France Herself Again." The book "The Art of Thinking," brought out in 1928, was his most highly regarded work. His later books include two autobiographical volumes: "My Old World" and "My New World." Abbe Ernest Dimnet died in 1954 at the age of 88. [Sources: "Catholic Authors: Contemporary Biographical Sketches, 1930-1947." Ed. Matthew Hoehn. Newark: St. Mary's Abbey, 1948. Also, Abbe Dimnet's obituary from 1954 in Box 1 Folder 45 of the Dimnet-Simpson Collection.]

Anita Lawrence Simpson, friend of Ernest Dimnet, was an instructor of European languages and literature. After serving as a faculty member at Sarah Lawrence College, she taught at New London Junior College in New London, Connecticut. There she also coordinated the guidance program. For 11 months during World War II, Simpson was the acting president of New London Junior College, and she facilitated the resumption of normal academic programs after the war's end. She became a member of the college's board of trustees and was appointed dean emeritus. [Source: Newspaper Clipping in Box 1 Folder 46 of the Dimnet-Simpson Collection: "N.L. Junior College Graduates 81; Anna Lord Strauss, Mrs. Simpson and Waldo E. Clarke Are Honored," the New London, Connecticut "Evening Day," 6/14/1950.]

Extent

0.20 Linear Feet (1 Hollinger Slim Document Case)

Language of Materials

English

Title
Ernest Dimnet - Anita Lawrence Simpson collection
Status
Completed
Author
Georgetown University Library Booth Family Center for Special Collections
Description rules
Local Practice
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Georgetown University Manuscripts Repository

Contact:
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