Classical Legacy of Gilbert Highet: An In-Depth Retrospect

Gilbert Highet (1906-1978) was a renowned classical scholar at Columbia University and a controversial figure in his lifetime. This biographical appreciation provides new information about his life and work, with updated bibliographies of his publications and about him.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Lockwood Press

Gilbert Highet (1906-1978) was a renowned educator at Columbia University and a celebrated classical scholar in America during his time. His life and career can be described as extraordinary and contentious. It is fitting, over forty years after his passing, to take a fresh look back at his life and work, in order to present new information about him and assess his lasting classical legacy for the twenty-first-century reader. This comprehensive biographical appreciation of Highet's life and work, complemented by fully updated bibliographies of his publications and those about him, presents a long-overdue official life of this unique and towering figure.

Highet's educational journey began at Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1927. He then pursued his studies at the University of Oxford, where he received a Master of Arts degree in 1929 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1932. During his time at Oxford, Highet developed a deep interest in classical literature and history, and he became a renowned scholar in the field.

After completing his studies in England, Highet returned to the United States and took up a teaching position at Columbia University. He quickly established himself as one of the university's greatest teachers, known for his engaging and dynamic lectures. Highet's teaching style was characterized by his passion for the subject matter and his ability to make complex ideas accessible to his students.

In addition to his teaching duties, Highet was also a prolific writer and scholar. He published numerous books and articles on classical literature and history, including "The Classical Tradition" (1932), "The Roman Republic" (1949), and "The Age of Alexander the Great" (1956). Highet's works were widely acclaimed and respected by scholars and readers alike, and he was recognized as one of the leading authorities on classical studies in the United States.

Highet's life and career were not without controversy, however. He was a vocal critic of modernism in classical art and literature, and he often expressed his views in public debates and essays. He also had a reputation for being outspoken and sometimes controversial, which led to some criticism and controversy in his own time.

Despite these challenges, Highet's legacy as a classical scholar and educator remains strong. His books and articles continue to be widely read and studied, and his teaching style and approach to the subject matter have influenced countless students and scholars over the years. Highet's commitment to the study of classical literature and history and his ability to communicate his passion for the subject to others have made him a towering figure in the field.

In conclusion, Gilbert Highet (1906-1978) was a remarkable educator and classical scholar who left an enduring legacy in the field of classical studies. His life and career were both extraordinary and contentious, but his passion for the subject matter and his ability to communicate his knowledge to others have made him a towering figure in the field. Highet's books and articles continue to be widely read and studied, and his teaching style and approach to the subject matter have influenced countless students and scholars over the years. His legacy as a classical scholar and educator will continue to be celebrated and appreciated for generations to come.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781948488501