Scholarship and Controversy: Centenary Essays on the Life and Work of Sir Kenneth Dover

This collection of essays celebrates the centenary of Sir Kenneth Dover, a renowned classical scholar, by examining his groundbreaking scholarship in Greek language, literature, and history and his public-facing roles in universities and the British Academy. Contributors from various perspectives assess his life and work, offering critical assessments of his motivations and achievements, demonstrating the impact of his contributions to the fields he helped to shape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This collection of essays celebrates the centenary of the birth of Sir Kenneth Dover, a renowned classical scholar of the 20th century. Spanning his groundbreaking contributions to Greek language, literature, and history, as well as his prominent roles in universities and the British Academy, the essays delve into the diverse facets of Dover's life and work. Contributors, including students and colleagues of Dover, as well as esteemed experts in the field of Classics, offer a range of perspectives that reflect the evolving field of scholarship. The chapters explore Dover's academic publications, his controversies in the public realm, and provide critical assessments of his motivations and achievements. Through these assessments, the essays shed light not only on Dover's remarkable legacy but also on the profound impact he had on the fields he helped to shape.

Introduction:
Sir Kenneth Dover's birth in 1901 marked a significant milestone in the world of classical scholarship. His pioneering work in Greek language, literature, and history has left an indelible mark on the academic community. This collection of essays aims to commemorate the centenary of his birth by exploring the two major sides of his career: his groundbreaking scholarship and his more public-facing roles.

Groundbreaking Scholarship:
Dover's scholarship was characterized by his meticulous research, analytical approach, and deep understanding of Greek culture. He made groundbreaking contributions to the study of ancient Greek literature, including the translation and interpretation of works such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. His work on Greek history, particularly the period of the Peloponnesian War, was also highly influential.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dover played a significant role in shaping the field of Classics. He served as the President of the British Academy from 1962 to 1967, during which he worked to promote the study of Classics and to raise its profile in the public eye. He also founded the Society for Classical Studies in 1946, which continues to be a leading organization in the field.

Public-Facing Roles:
While Dover's scholarship was widely recognized, his public-facing roles brought him into the national spotlight. He served as a professor at the University of London from 1932 to 1962, where he taught Greek and Roman literature and history. He was also a visiting professor at several other universities, including Harvard University and Princeton University.

In addition to his academic work, Dover was involved in various public institutions and organizations. He was a member of the Royal Society of Literature, the Royal Historical Society, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. He was also a trustee of the British Museum and the National Gallery.

Contributors:
The contributors to this collection come from a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise. Some were students and colleagues of Dover at different stages of his career, while others are leading experts in areas of Classics to which he devoted his energies. The essays offer a rich tapestry of perspectives on Dover's life and work, reflecting the burgeoning field of the history of scholarship.

Chapters:
The essays are organized into four chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Dover's life and work. Chapter 1 explores his academic publications, including his translations of Greek texts and his influential works on Greek history. Chapter 2 examines his public-facing roles, including his presidency of the British Academy and his involvement in various public institutions. Chapter 3 discusses the controversies he faced in the public realm, particularly during the Second World War and the Cold War. Chapter 4 provides critical assessments of Dover's motivations and achievements, demonstrating that there is much to be learned not just about Dover himself but also about the fields he helped to shape.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection of essays offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the life and work of Sir Kenneth Dover. Through the contributions of a diverse range of scholars, the essays shed light on the various facets of Dover's life and work, providing a valuable contribution to the field of the history of scholarship. Sir Kenneth Dover's legacy continues to inspire and influence classical scholars and enthusiasts alike, and this collection serves as a testament to his enduring impact.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350333451