The following memo to the Dean for the files tells us probably as much about its subject, a rising star in the Harvard economics department Edward Sagendorph Mason, as it does about what academic talent-spotters in the 1920s thought important. Of course, demonstrated academic brilliance has generally been of primary importance, but in an environment notably rich in brilliance, other qualities become distinguishing. “…he is a handsome, upstanding chap. His very appearance makes an impression on the young fellows.”
__________________________
February 12, 1925
Dear Clifford:
Carver tells me that you would welcome a line from me about E. S. Mason.
He is a very unusual fellow. His special examination for the doctorate, which he took about a week ago, by agreement of the examiners was not less than brilliant. As you know, he was three years at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and learned a lot there not merely in philosophy and letters, but in ways of handling the boys. He is one of the very best of our tutors, and one of the very best of our instructors in Economics A. And he is a handsome, upstanding chap. His very appearance makes an impression on the young fellows. It being our policy to keep men of that sort in our own service instead of putting them in a position where they cannot well help but accept a tempting offer from elsewhere, he ought to be given the very best treatment we can afford.
Cordially yours,
F. W. Taussig
Source: Harvard University Archives. Department of Economics, Correspondence and Papers 1930-1961, Box 2 (American-Appointments, 1925), Folder “Appointments for 1913-26”.
Image Source: Portrait of Edward S. Mason included in the Harvard Class Album 1932.