2005-2006

ELISABETH WOOLSEY GILMAN PRIZE

A prize of books is given annually at the bequest of the late Judge John M. Woolsey of New York in memory of his aunt, Mrs. Daniel C. Gilman, to that boy in one of the four upper forms who passes the best examination on books, the reading of which is not required as part of the school curriculum. This prize is for general literary cultivation, and the examination is a test of the boys’ memories with regard to characters and facts in books read and their critical appreciation of the style and construction.

A second prize of books is presented to that boy of the III Form or IV Form who shows the best critical appreciation of the books designated. This prize is intended to encourage younger boys to compete even against boys of more maturity and experience.

The examination is to be given in March. It is hoped that many boys will read the books during the summer in addition to their required summer reading.

The books on which the Elisabeth Woolsey Gilman Prize examination will be based this year are the following:

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland ……………………… Lewis Carroll

Through the Looking Glass ……………………………… Lewis Carroll

In Dubious Battle ………………………………………..John Steinbeck

These books are available in paperback editions and also are available in libraries, including the Fenimore Memorial Library at Gilman.