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Lily Ross Taylor papers

 Collection
Identifier: BMC-1974-05

Scope and Contents

The Lily Ross Taylor papers contain the personal papers of Lily Taylor, a Graduate Scholar and Fellow of Latin at Bryn Mawr College who went on to become a Professor of Latin at Vassar and Bryn Mawr Colleges. The collection, which ranges from 1886-1969, consists of drafts of articles, lecture and research notes, official correspondence, personal memorabilia, and miscellaneous memorabilia.

The collection is separated into seven series: “Series I: Articles by Lily R. Taylor, 1908-1955,” “Series II: Lectures by Lily R. Taylor,” “Series III: Materials pertaining to books by Lily R. Taylor,” “Series IV: Official Correspondence of Lily R. Taylor,” “Series V: Personal Memorabilia,” “Series VI: Miscellaneous notes and memorabilia,” and “Series VII: Miscellaneous.”

“Series I: Articles by Lily R. Taylor, 1908-1955” includes book reviews, notes on Cicero's "De Republica", drafts on Cornelius Nepos, and extensive versions of "Senate and Senatores Pedarii". “Series II: Lectures by Lily R. Taylor” consists of "Knights and Jurors in Gracchan and post-Gracchan Criminal Courts", "Cicero as a Mirror of His Time", "Isolationism in American Education, and others. “Series III: Materials pertaining to books by Lily R. Taylor” includes drafts of proposed books, and professional correspondence concerning “Roman Voting Assemblies.” “Series IV: Official Correspondence of Lily R. Taylor” contains correspondence between book publishers, American Academy in Rome, Friends of the Bryn Mawr Library, and other professional correspondence. “Series V: Personal Memorabilia” consists of honors received, letters regarding various awards, and her letter of appointment to Bryn Mawr College. “Series VI: Miscellaneous notes and memorabilia” includes Taylor’s notes; some copies of books; and original illustrations from L. Cozza for “Roman Voting Assemblies” and other documents. “Series VII: Miscellaneous” includes Vassar College Latin exams, students' translations, a bibliography of LRT, and other documents.

Lily Ross Taylor worked on Roman religion and politics. This collection provides a well-rounded view into her academic publications, lectures, and other professional materials. It would be of use to anyone interested in Taylor’s research and academic career.

Dates

  • Creation: 1886 - 1969

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Lily Ross Taylor papers are the physical property of Bryn Mawr College Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the author's heirs and assigns.

Biographical / Historical

Graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1906, Lily Ross Taylor came to Bryn Mawr as first a Graduate Scholar, then Fellow, in Latin. From 1908-1912 LRT was Reader in Latin and Demonstrator in Archaeology. She went to Vassar College as Instructor in Latin, then Assistant, Associate, and finally full Professor of Latin in 1925. She was a fellow of the American Academy in 1917-1918 and 1919-1920. Taylor returned to Bryn Mawr as Professor of Latin in 1927 and continued on the faculty until 1952. She was the Acting Professor in charge of the American Academy in Rome from 1934-1935, and Dean of the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School from 1942-1952. Upon retirement in 1952 she served as Professor in charge of the American Academy in Rome until 1955.

During WWI Taylor served with the Red Cross, while during WWII she worked with the the Office of Strategic Services. An authority of Romans religion and politics, she was the author of numerous books, articles, and lectures. Memberships and fellowships included Guggenheim Fellow (3 times), American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Philosophical Society, American Philologica Association, and the Archaeological Intitute of America. She was the winner of the Achievement Award of AAUW and the Gold Medal for "cultori di Roma" of the Institute of Roman Studies.

Extent

3.5 linear ft.

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Lily Ross Taylor was Professor of Latin and Dean at Bryn Mawr College, Director of the American Academy in Rome, and a renowned Classicist. Her papers include lecture notes, correspondence, and personal memorabilia.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Special Collections received the Lily Ross Taylor papers in 1974 following Professor Taylor's death as a gift from her family.

Title
Lily Ross Taylor papers
Status
Completed
Author
Lorett Treese, Melissa Torquato
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Find It at the Library

Most of the materials in this catalog are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Please see our website for more information about visiting or requesting repoductions from Bryn Mawr College Library

Contact:
Bryn Mawr College Library
101 N. Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr 19010 USA US
610-526-6576