First, the Dartmouth Review republishes a delightful late-Nineteenth Century essay by former English Professor H. H. Horne on “The Dartmouth Man,” distinguishing the characteristics of said fellow from his colleagues at Harvard. Republished on several occasions through the years, and quite obviously overgeneralized and dated in places, I enjoy rereading for its reflections on Dartmouth’s somewhat unique character and the way in which geography and philosophy interact to shape the nature of institutions. I am also always struck by Horne’s description of the leveling effect of the fierce New Hampshire winters in tending to break down differences of class and pretentions among Dartmouth students and reinforcing the virtues of practicality and usefulness.
And for those who may be interested, the Dartmouth Review will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a New York City gala next week (April 21). I wasn’t a Review staffer at Dartmouth and it doesn’t look like I will be able to attend the gala, but I pass along the info to those who might be interested. Peter Robinson has the details on what promises to be an enjoyable evening.