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Masson, David Mather, 1822-1907 (Regius Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, Edinburgh University)

 Person

Staff Only

Dates

  • Existence: 1822 - 1907

Biography

David Mather Masson (1822-1907) was Regius Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres (English Literature) at Edinburgh University from 1865 to 1895.

Masson was born in Aberdeen in 1822. He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, then studied at Marischal College, Aberdeen, where he graduated with degree of MA in 1839. He went to Edinburgh University to study Divinity with the intention of entering the Church, but gave up his studies. Masson embarked upon a literary career, first in Aberdeen, later in Edinburgh and London. He became Professor of English Literature at University College, London, in 1853, a post which he held for twelve years.

In 1865, he was elected to the Regius Chair of Rhetoric and English Literature at Edinburgh University, holding the chair until his resignation in 1895. While at Edinburgh University, Masson took a prominent part in the fight for the university education of women and he was the first professor to lecture to classes organised by the Edinburgh Ladies' Educational Association (later the Edinburgh Association for the University Education of Women). Masson Hall of Residence, the first residential accommodation for female students, was named in his honour.

Masson's publications include British Novelists and their Styles (1859), the multi-volume The Life of John Milton (1859-1894), and a biography of William Drummond of Hawthornden (1873). In 1893, he was appointed Historiographer Royal for Scotland.

Source: entry for David Mather Masson on Edinburgh University 'Our History' website.

Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:

Dictates of Professor Masson, classes of Rhetoric and the History of English Literature, University of Edinburgh, taken by George Goudie Chisholm, 6 November 1867 - c March 1868

 Item
Identifier: Coll-67/1
Scope and Contents

Dictates of Professor Masson, classes of Rhetoric and the History of English Literature, University of Edinburgh, taken by George Goudie Chisholm, 6 Nov 1867 - c. March 1868; manuscript, 1 bound notebook.


Reference according to Chisholm's alpha-numerical system: I.

Dates: 6 November 1867 - c March 1868
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Papers of George Goudie Chisholm

Edinburgh Association for the University Education of Women

 Fonds
Identifier: Coll-42
Scope and Contents The collection contains reports and calendars of the Association between 1868 and 1888 as well as class register books, 1867-1892; minutes and scroll minutes spanning 1868 to 1970 (ELEA and EAUEW); certificates in arts and register of names, addresses and subjects passed; blank certificates and diplomas; printed pamphlets on the history of the Association; photographs of the first women graduates. There is the correspondence of Mrs Mary Crudelius; and, acceptances of honorary membership of...
Dates: 1868-1974
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections

Lecture Notes, Rhetoric and English Literature, 1878-1879

 Fonds
Identifier: Coll-1125
Scope and Contents On a title page of one of the two volumes the contents are stated as being notes of Edinburgh University, Rhetoric and English Literature 1878-1879, Historical Course, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The name of James Malloch appears there too. Similar information appears on a title page of the second volume. These contents are stated as being notes of Edinburgh University, Rhetoric and English Literature 1878-1879, Theoretical Course, Mondays and Tuesdays. This volume shows the name, James...
Dates: 1878-1879
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections

Notes on lectures on Rhetoric and English literature given by David Masson, taken down by George Lumsden

 Fonds — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Coll-2264
Scope and Contents

Notes on lectures given by David Masson on Rhetoric and English Literature, taken down by George Lumsden. 1881-1882. 4 vols.

Dates: 1881-1882
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections

Papers of William Kirk Dickson

 Fonds — Box Dk.1.3
Identifier: Coll-799
Scope and Contents The papers include: valedictory address by Robert Louis Stevenson to the Speculative Society, 1873; drawing of David Masson, drawn by William Hole; illustrations of the Men's Union building, and the Old Quad; notes on lectures of Henry Calderwood taken by Dickson; notes on Professor Masson's lectures, 1880; two letters to Dickson from John Ruskin, Honorary President of the Associated Societies of the University of Edinburgh, 1883; two letters and copy letters to Dickson from Robert Browning,...
Dates: 1877-1934
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections

Testimonial from Sir David Masson testifying that C. M. Gibson has attended his lectures, 1872-1873

 Item
Identifier: Coll-1848/25-0037/1
Scope and Contents

This is a testimonial from Sir David Masson testifying that "Mr C. M. Gibson was a member of the Class of Rhetoric & English Literature", during which he "acquitted himself with diligence & credit", University of Edinburgh, session 1872-1873. Printed receipt signed with manuscript details in Masson's hand.

Dates: 1872-1873
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Smaller acquisitions collection

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