To All Course XV Men : Can We Believe in God? (1947 MIT gift to student from Dean)
· Sermon Series by: Gardiner Mumford Day (1900-1981)
· Speech by: Karl Taylor Compton (1887-1954)
· Compiled & inscribed by: Erwin Haskell Schell (1889-1965)
· Publisher: Privately Printed Cambridge MA U.S.A. 1947
Lenten Sermons by Rev. Gardiner M Day of Christ Episcopal Church, Cambridge Massachusetts and an address by the President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Karl T. Compton. v + 99pp.
Rev. Gardiner Mumford Day (1900-1981), was rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Cambridge, Mass.
from 1941 until 1965, when he retired. The first 75% of the book records a series of Lenten sermons he delivered around the end of WWII.
Karl Taylor Compton (1887-1954) was a prominent American physicist and President of MIT from 1930 to 1948. He gave a presentation titled “Why Religion?” before the Tenth Technology Embassy on April 17, 1946. This is reproduced as the final quarter of the book.
Erwin Haskell Schell (1889-1965) was an American engineer, organizational theorist, management author and Dean of the MIT Department of Business and Engineering from 1930 through 1951. The department later became the MIT Sloan School of Management. Through the generosity of Newman M. Marsillius (MIT class of 1914), Dr Schell was able to compile and publish these speeches with the intent of making the book available to students in the Department of Business and Engineering.
The copy for sale was inscribed by Dr. Schell to a member of the Course XV Men in 1954.
For a little more background, MIT in 1914 established a four year course of study (Course XV because it was the 15th degree offered at the school) which could earn a degree in Engineering Administration. By 1930, these courses where mainly in the Department of Business and Engineering under Dean Schell, hence students whose majors were in the department were Course XV men. Dean Schell was an innovative and student focused educator, introducing outside guest lectures allowing business leaders to interact with students and faculty, sponsoring apprenticeship programs, and he even sent individual students in the department cards on their birthday.
Hardcover has blue cloth boards over a navy spine, gold title on spine, but no DJ. Although carefully handled with square corners, there is wear and rubs on spine and rear. Aside from gift inscription on ffep, no other marks found in book. Interior is tight and clean.
• Size: 12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall, 104pp.
• Condition: Very Good Hardcover, no Jacket – Always privately owned, Inscribed by Dean of MIT Business Department.
No copyright asserted. This copy privately printed in 1947 and preface dated 1947, so 1st edition implied and assumed. No ISBN, LCCN, nor MSR.
Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:
Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Booksellers needed some word to describe this, much like coin collectors...
Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.
Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.
Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)
Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).
Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.
1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy.
Thanks for looking!