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Agnes Repplier: The Eloquent American Essayist

A comprehensive exploration of the life, writings, and enduring legacy of a master of American prose.

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Who Was Agnes Repplier?

A Master of the Discursive Essay

Agnes Repplier (April 1, 1855 โ€“ December 15, 1950) was a distinguished American essayist, celebrated for her sharp wit, extensive erudition, and insightful commentary on contemporary life and literature.[1] Her prolific career, spanning over five decades, established her as a significant voice in American letters.[5]

A Voice of Her Time

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Repplier's essays often reflected her keen observations of American society, culture, and intellectual trends. Despite her formal education being somewhat unconventional, she developed a profound command of language and a unique perspective that resonated with a national audience.[3]

National Recognition

Repplier received numerous accolades throughout her career, including honorary degrees from prestigious institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Notre Dame, Yale University, and Columbia University. Her contributions were recognized by election to the American Philosophical Society in 1928.[7][8]

Early Years and Education

Foundations in Philadelphia

Agnes Repplier was born in Philadelphia in 1855, hailing from French and German ancestry.[2] Her early education took place at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Torresdale, Philadelphia, and later at the Agnes Irwin School.[2]

Independent Spirit

Repplier's early academic journey was marked by a spirit of independence; she was reportedly expelled from two schools for her "independent behaviour." Notably, she was illiterate until the age of ten.[2] Her path to literacy and literary success was significantly influenced by Mary Paulina Finn, a nun and accomplished writer who mentored her.[4]

Literary Career

The Art of the Essay

Despite her unconventional start, Repplier became a leading figure in the genre of the discursive essay. Her writings showcased extensive reading, apt quotations, and a blend of literary criticism with astute observations on contemporary life.[5] Her debut essay, "Children, Past and Present," published in the Atlantic Monthly in April 1886, immediately demonstrated her distinctive style.[6]

A Half-Century of Influence

Repplier's earliest national publications appeared in Catholic World in 1881. While she also penned biographies and some fiction, she dedicated herself primarily to essays, cultivating a national reputation that endured for fifty years. Her work was characterized by its intellectual depth and engaging prose, making her a respected voice in American literature.

Personal Life and Views

Faith and Convictions

Agnes Repplier was a devout Catholic, a faith that informed her worldview. She held conservative views on many contemporary issues but was also an advocate for feminism. While she opposed American neutrality during World War I, she maintained a critical stance against radicalism and activism.[3][2]

Philadelphia Roots

She lived and died in her native Philadelphia, though she also spent considerable time in Europe. Her deep connection to her city was reflected in her early work, Philadelphia: The Place and the People.[2]

A Respected Voice

By 1946, critic Edward Wagenknecht referred to her as "our dean of essayists," highlighting her esteemed position in the literary landscape.[2]

Selected Works

Literary Output

Agnes Repplier's extensive body of work includes numerous essay collections, biographies, and individual articles. Her writings explored a wide range of subjects, from literary criticism and historical reflection to social commentary and observations on everyday life.

Notable Books
  • Philadelphia: The Place and the People (1898)
  • The Fireside Sphinx (1901)
  • In Our Convent Days (1905)
  • The Cat (1912)
  • Germany and Democracy (1914; with J. William White)
  • The Promise of the Bell: Christmas in Philadelphia (1924)
  • To Think of Tea! (1932)
  • In Pursuit of Laughter (1936)
Essay Collections
  • Books and Men (1888)
  • Points of View (1891)
  • Essays in Miniature (1892)
  • Essays in Idleness (1893)
  • In the Dozy Hours and Other Papers (1894)
  • Varia (1897)
  • Compromises (1904)
  • A Happy Half-Century and Other Essays (1908)
  • Americans and Others (1912)
  • Counter-Currents (1916)
  • Points of Friction (1920)
  • Under Dispute (1924)
  • Times and Tendencies (1931)
  • Eight Decades: Essays and Episodes (1937)
Biographical Studies
  • J. William White, M.D.: A Biography (1919)
  • Pรจre Marquette: Priest, Pioneer and Adventurer (1929)
  • Mรจre Marie of the Ursulines: A Study in Adventure (1931)
  • Junรญpero Serra: Pioneer Colonist of California (1933)
  • Agnes Irwin: A Biography (1934)
Selected Articles
  • "The Good Humor of the Saints," The Catholic World (1882)
  • "Heaven in Recent Fiction," The Catholic World (1885)
  • "English Voices on the French Revolution," The Catholic World (1885)
  • "English Hymns," The Catholic World (1886)
  • "Christmas Carols," The Catholic World (1887)
  • "Education," The Atlantic Monthly (1922)

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References

References

  1.  Reilly, Joseph J. (1938รขย€ย“39). "The Daughter of Addison," The Catholic World, Vol. 148, pp. 158รขย€ย“166.
  2.  Rickenbacker, William F. (1994). "Agnes Repplier Revisited," Modern Age, Vol. 36, No. 4, p. 341.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Agnes Repplier Wikipedia page

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