Horace Holley

Transylvania University and the Making of Liberal Education in the Early American Republic

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Higher Education, Biography & Memoir, Reference, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book Horace Holley by James P. Cousins, The University Press of Kentucky
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James P. Cousins ISBN: 9780813168593
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky Publication: October 26, 2016
Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky Language: English
Author: James P. Cousins
ISBN: 9780813168593
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky
Publication: October 26, 2016
Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky
Language: English

Outspoken New England urbanite Horace Holley (1781--1827) was an unlikely choice to become the president of Transylvania University -- the first college established west of the Allegheny Mountains. Many Kentuckians doubted his leadership abilities, some questioned his Unitarian beliefs, and others simply found him arrogant and elitist. Nevertheless, Holley ushered in a period of sustained educational and cultural growth at Transylvania, and the university received national attention for its scientifically progressive and liberal curriculum. The resulting influx of wealthy students and celebrated faculty -- including Constantine Samuel Rafinesque -- lent Lexington, Kentucky, a distinguished atmosphere and gave rise to the city's image as the "Athens of the West."

In this definitive biography, James P. Cousins offers fresh perspectives on a seminal yet controversial figure in American religious history and educational life. The son of a prosperous New England merchant family, Holley studied at Yale University before serving as a minister. He achieved national acclaim as an intellectual and self-appointed critic of higher education before accepting the position at Transylvania. His clashes with political and community leaders, however, ultimately led him to resign in 1827, and his untimely death later that year cut short a promising career.

Drawing upon a wealth of previously used and newly uncovered primary sources, Cousins analyzes the profound influence of westward expansion on social progress and education that transpired during Holley's tenure. This engaging book not only illuminates the life and work of an important yet overlooked figure, but makes a valuable contribution to the history of education in the early American Republic.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Outspoken New England urbanite Horace Holley (1781--1827) was an unlikely choice to become the president of Transylvania University -- the first college established west of the Allegheny Mountains. Many Kentuckians doubted his leadership abilities, some questioned his Unitarian beliefs, and others simply found him arrogant and elitist. Nevertheless, Holley ushered in a period of sustained educational and cultural growth at Transylvania, and the university received national attention for its scientifically progressive and liberal curriculum. The resulting influx of wealthy students and celebrated faculty -- including Constantine Samuel Rafinesque -- lent Lexington, Kentucky, a distinguished atmosphere and gave rise to the city's image as the "Athens of the West."

In this definitive biography, James P. Cousins offers fresh perspectives on a seminal yet controversial figure in American religious history and educational life. The son of a prosperous New England merchant family, Holley studied at Yale University before serving as a minister. He achieved national acclaim as an intellectual and self-appointed critic of higher education before accepting the position at Transylvania. His clashes with political and community leaders, however, ultimately led him to resign in 1827, and his untimely death later that year cut short a promising career.

Drawing upon a wealth of previously used and newly uncovered primary sources, Cousins analyzes the profound influence of westward expansion on social progress and education that transpired during Holley's tenure. This engaging book not only illuminates the life and work of an important yet overlooked figure, but makes a valuable contribution to the history of education in the early American Republic.

More books from The University Press of Kentucky

Cover of the book Brigadier General John D. Imboden by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book For Brotherhood and Duty by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Vernon and Irene Castle's Ragtime Revolution by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Russell Kirk by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Ents, Elves, and Eriador by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Soldier in the Sinai by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Warren Oates by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book The Philosophy of David Cronenberg by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book The Kentucky Barbecue Book by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book The Roots of Nazi Psychology by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Power versus Law in Modern China by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Raccoon John Smith by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Vietnam's Second Front by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book Albert Sidney Johnston by James P. Cousins
Cover of the book We'll Always Have the Movies by James P. Cousins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy