William James "Father of American psychology" 4 ALS Framed

A group of four autograph letters signed "Wm. James" from a collection of correspondence to one of his Harvard students, J.R. Roberts. Dating from 1894-1897, the topics range from a letter of recommendation to inquiries and advice from a mentor to his former student. The letters have been matted and framed along with a photograph of James to the overall size of 26" x 21.25". Two letters have been framed with a photocopy of the front page, with the copied side visible (double-framed) on verso. All with mail folds and file holes at the edges. Light toning throughout. All with bold signatures. The framed display is accompanied by a COA from R&R Enterprises Autograph Auctions.

Highlights from each letter include:
1. January 25, 1894 "…Pray take my most cordial wishes for your success in life, and let me know from time to time how the world agrees with you & treats you…"
2. June 25, 1894: A letter of recommendation "…He is an exceptionally earnest and serious man, devoted to truth, and yet with a robust elasticity of mind. His intelligence is of a high order."
3. August 28, 1894: Providing reading recommendations in English, French, and German. "…You don't say whether your 'place' is for preaching or teaching. I suppose the former, but don't dare say I 'hope' so, for I realize the wild beasts lie in wait on a pastor's path now-a-days…"
4. November 8, 1897: "My lecture is on Wednesday night, Fogg Museum, 8 o'clock. But you needn't come to it: it is the flimsiest thing imaginable, containing only two small points: 1) Thought is function of brain, but need not cease when brain dies…2) We needn't stick at the tho't of too much life accumulating in the universe - more than we can see any eternal use for…"

William James (1842-1910) was an American philosopher, historian, and psychologist. Together with Charles Sanders Peirce, James established the philosophical school known as pragmatism and is also cited as one of the founders of functional psychology. He was the first professor to introduce a psychology course in the United States, teaching scientific psychology at Harvard University, earning him the moniker "Father of American psychology."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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