Jules Simon: A Prominent Person in Pierre de Coubertin's Early Network

Abstract

This article aims to examine the close relationship between Pierre de Coubertin and the French progressive-minded politician and educator Jules Simon. In particular it analyses how de Coubertin approached Simon and why Simon became so valuable for de Coubertin's intention to campaign nationally as well as internationally for the educational values of sport. Basic information on de Coubertin's relationship with Simon and vice versa was taken from the previously almost unknown correspondence between de Coubertin and Simon.