Classics in Britain: Scholarship, Education, and Publishing 1800-2000

This unique volume summarizes and reflects the work of a leading voice in the history of Classics in Britain, covering topics such as the school classroom, university politics, the social uses of classical knowledge, and the publishing of textbooks. It is divided into three parts, the first of which illustrates the utility of comparative analysis of institutions, the second of which looks at the transformative role of printing and publishing, and the third of which focuses on pedagogy. Together, they offer an expansive and unparalleled overview of the history and sociology of classical education and scholarship between 1800 and 2000.

Format: Hardback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This remarkable volume encapsulates and showcases the extensive and influential work of a prominent figure in the history of Classics in Britain. Comprising a diverse collection of previously published articles, which have undergone meticulous revisions, alongside previously unpublished pieces, this volume offers a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective on the field. Spanning a wide range of topics, from the dynamics of the school classroom to the intricacies of university politics, and from the societal applications of classical knowledge to the process of textbook publication, the book maintains a central focus on the role of books and journals in shaping the reception of Classics. However, the chapters also incorporate anecdotal and documentary sources to provide a vivid exploration of the lesser-known aspects of the world of nineteenth- and twentieth-century scholars, teachers, and enthusiasts.

The book is structured into three distinct parts, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the historical and sociological development of classical education and scholarship between 1800 and 2000. The first part serves as a valuable illustration of the utility of comparative analysis of institutions, with a particular emphasis on Oxford and Cambridge. By examining these two prestigious universities, the author sheds light on the unique characteristics and historical trajectories that have shaped the study of Classics in Britain. The second part delves into the transformative impact of printing and publishing on the field of Classics. It explores the establishment of the Hellenic Society (1879) and the Classical Association (1903), as well as their role in shaping the changing perception and status of Classics in British society. The third part focuses on pedagogy, examining textbooks and classroom activities while emphasizing the dialectical nature of reception. Through a close examination of the resistance of pupils to their teachers' lessons, the author highlights the complex interplay between teachers, students, and the broader cultural context in which Classics is studied and interpreted.

In isolation, each of these parts offers an engaging and insightful perspective on the history and sociology of classical education and scholarship. However, when considered together, they provide an expansive and unparalleled overview of the field. This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and anyone with an interest in the study of Classics, offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the subject matter. By exploring the various themes and perspectives presented herein, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped the development of classical education and scholarship over the past two centuries.

Weight: 768g
Dimension: 240 x 166 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199569373