Marginal Comment: A Memoir Revisited

A renowned classical scholar, Sir Kenneth Dover, wrote the experimental autobiography "Marginal Comment" in 1994. It explores the connections between the mind and the body, including his experiences, writings, and leadership roles. This edition includes an introduction and annotations, providing a unique insight into his life and work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The remarkable memoir titled "Marginal Comment," which garnered immense interest upon its initial publication in 1994, presents the captivating account of one of the most esteemed classical scholars of the modern era. The author of this extraordinary work is Sir Kenneth Dover, whose academic publications, including the groundbreaking book "Greek Homosexuality" (1978, reissued by Bloomsbury in 2016), showcased his profound expertise. Conceived as an "experimental autobiography," the book is a brutally candid exploration of the author's experiences, encompassing both his private and public life. It is unwavering in its pursuit to analyze the intricate connections between the life of the mind and the life of the body.

Dover's distinguished career spanned a multitude of achievements. In addition to his influential series of writings on ancient Greeks, he held prominent leadership positions, including the presidencies of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and the British Academy. It was during these roles that he became embroiled in several high-profile controversies. Notably, he played a pivotal role in blocking an honorary degree for Margaret Thatcher from Oxford University and engaged in a heated debate within the British Academy regarding the fellowship of Anthony Blunt, following his exposure as a former Soviet spy.

This edition of "Marginal Comment" is far more than a mere reissue. It includes an introduction that contextualizes the book within the author's life and work, as well as annotations based on materials originally excluded by Dover but preserved in his personal papers upon his passing. Now newly accessible, the memoir offers not only a captivating self-portrait of an exceptional individual but also serves as a valuable case study in the intersections between an intellectual life and its social contexts.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350295827