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# Idle Hours in a Library — William Henry Hudson (Stanford)

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Bibliographic Overview & Physical Description

Title: Idle Hours in a Library
Author: William Henry Hudson (Stanford Professor, not the naturalist)
Publisher: William Doxey, At the Sign of the Lark, San Francisco
Year of Publication: 1897
Binding: Red cloth hardcover, gilt lettering, black border on cover and spine
Condition: Well-preserved, some foxing on endpapers, strong binding, clear gilt titles
Dimensions: Standard octavo size
Special Feature: Inscribed by the author to Dr. David Starr Jordan (Stanford’s first president) and his wife, March 1897

Front cover: Red cloth with gilt titles and black border

Spine: Gilt lettering, publisher imprint “DOXEY”

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The Inscription: A Unique Provenance

Author’s inscription to Dr. & Mrs. Jordan, March 1897

From: William Henry Hudson, Stanford English professor and builder of the English department
To: Dr. David Starr Jordan, Stanford’s founding president, and his wife
Significance: This direct connection between author and recipient makes the book a rare artifact of Stanford’s formative years and academic culture

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Why This Book and Its Inscription Matter

Unique Provenance: The inscription links two foundational Stanford figures, making this copy a direct artifact of the university’s early history
Rare Association Copy: Books inscribed to university founders or presidents are highly valued by collectors and institutional archives
Historical Documentation: The personal nature of the inscription reflects the collaborative and collegial relationships that defined Stanford’s early academic community
Fine Press Edition: Published by William Doxey, a leader in San Francisco’s fine press movement
Condition and Rarity: Well-preserved, original binding, unique inscription — highly desirable for collectors and university archives

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David Starr Jordan: Stanford’s Founding President

Title page: Author’s credentials and publisher’s device

David Starr Jordan (1851–1931) was Stanford’s first president, serving from its founding in 1891 until 1913. A renowned ichthyologist and educator, Jordan was selected by Leland and Jane Stanford for his progressive educational philosophy. He set the university’s curriculum, research priorities, and culture, and was instrumental in recruiting foundational faculty, including Hudson. Jordan’s leadership established Stanford as a pioneering institution, though his legacy is complicated by his later involvement in the American eugenics movement.

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William Henry Hudson: Stanford’s Literary Builder

Builder of the English Department: Helped establish curriculum, mentored students, and set high academic standards
Advocate for Academic Freedom: Vocal supporter during the “Ross Affair,” defending faculty rights
Author and Educator: Published several books and essays, enriching Stanford’s intellectual and literary scene
Collegial Influence: Fostered a collaborative and respectful academic environment with university leadership

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About the Book: Idle Hours in a Library

Inscription close-up: A personal gift from Hudson to the Jordans

Idle Hours in a Library is a collection of essays reflecting on literary subjects and the joys of reading. Originally delivered as lectures or magazine articles, these essays are informal and accessible, inviting readers to explore topics like Elizabethan life, Samuel Pepys, and Restoration novelists. Hudson’s writing blends personal insight with historical context, inspiring readers to appreciate the transformative power of literature.

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The Importance of a Signed, Inscribed Copy

Unique Provenance: An inscription creates a direct, personal link between creator and recipient, enhancing the book’s historical narrative
Rarity and Value: Signed and inscribed first editions are far rarer than unsigned copies, especially association copies to notable individuals
Cultural and Institutional Significance: Tangible evidence of relationships and intellectual culture, offering insight into the early history of Stanford
Investment: Such books are valued for their emotional resonance and long-term investment potential

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The Ross Affair and Racial Controversy in Stanford’s Early History
The Ross Affair: Stanford’s First Academic Freedom Crisis

The “Ross Affair” was a pivotal episode at Stanford at the turn of the 20th century that shaped the national understanding of academic freedom. Economics professor Edward A. Ross was forced to resign after expressing populist and racially charged views, leading to the resignation of seven other professors in protest. This catalyzed the transformation of academic freedom into a core professional ideal and influenced the founding of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).

Racial Controversy and Stanford’s Early Founders

Edward A. Ross: Early proponent of eugenics, advocated for restricting Asian immigration in starkly racist terms
David Starr Jordan: Prominent in the American eugenics movement, his legacy is now critically examined by Stanford
Jane Stanford: Objected to Ross’s rhetoric mainly due to concerns over reputation, not a principled stance against racism

These controversies expose the prejudices and complexities of Stanford’s early leadership. Today, the university continues to confront this legacy, striving to honor its ideals while acknowledging its past.

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Summary Table: Key Features and Importance

Feature
Details and Significance

Author
William Henry Hudson (Stanford English professor, not the naturalist)

Recipient
Dr. David Starr Jordan, Stanford’s first president, and his wife

Inscription
Personal, dated, enhances provenance and institutional value

Publisher
William Doxey, At the Sign of the Lark, San Francisco

Year
1897

Condition
Well-preserved, original binding, foxing on endpapers

Importance
Rare association copy, artifact of Stanford’s academic and cultural beginnings

Ross Affair
Landmark in academic freedom, exposed racial and political tensions in early Stanford

Racial Controversy
Early leaders’ involvement in eugenics and nativism, now critically examined

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Conclusion

This inscribed first edition of Idle Hours in a Library is far more than a rare book—it is a living artifact of Stanford University’s intellectual and institutional heritage. Its unique provenance, exceptional condition, and direct connection to the university’s founding leadership make it a vital piece of American academic history and a treasure for collectors, scholars, and the Stanford community alike.

[1] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1750013536/user_uploads/72842834/5a956865-3af8-43eb-a5d7-b9c1b1a6b495/1000024841.jpg
[2] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1750013536/user_uploads/72842834/75a1aa57-0ab2-4695-bc91-54dbd675b24d/1000024840.jpg
[3] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1750013536/user_uploads/72842834/9bcb6f5a-c3fe-4723-8df8-f9a46dd7fde6/1000024839.jpg
[4] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1750013536/user_uploads/72842834/310cb735-5d21-4f96-b54c-fd0eb4db8df6/1000024837.jpg
[5] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1750013535/user_uploads/72842834/c03aec6e-ff95-495d-b4a4-51f615308757/1000024838.jpg