Steely-Eyed Athena: Wilmer Cave Wright and the Advent of Female Classicists

This monograph explores the life and work of Wilmer Cave Wright, a ground-breaking female classicist, to examine the rise of women in the discipline. It discusses her creation as a classics scholar, formative experience in Chicago, desire to leave Bryn Mawr, approach to classical literature, survival during the Thomas years, abrupt abandonment of a long-term project, and switch to translating medieval Latin medical texts. The book also places Wright's journey in historical context and assesses the significance of her work on the life of the Emperor Julian.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge Philological Society

This monograph delves into the captivating life and remarkable work of Wilmer Cave Wright, a groundbreaking female classicist who made significant contributions to the field. Through a comprehensive examination of her life and career, the author seeks to address a series of intriguing questions about the rise of women in classical studies.

Firstly, the monograph explores the factors that shaped Wright's path to becoming a classics scholar in a context that might have seemed to preclude such a career. It examines the personal and academic challenges she faced, as well as the opportunities and support that helped her thrive.

Secondly, the monograph examines the formative years of Wright's career in Chicago, which were arguably the most significant period in her development as a scholar. It explores the intellectual and social environment that influenced her work and the impact it had on her intellectual growth.

Thirdly, the monograph delves into Wright's decision to leave Bryn Mawr and her subsequent return to the institution. It explores the reasons behind her desire to leave and her subsequent commitment to her students. The monograph also examines the lens through which Wright approached the evidence of classical literature and the impact it had on her scholarship.

Fourthly, the monograph explores Wright's survival during the challenging Thomas years at Bryn Mawr. It examines the personal and professional struggles she faced and the strategies she employed to navigate the academic and social landscape.

Fifthly, the monograph examines Wright's abrupt abandonment of her long-term project on Libanius of Antioch. It explores the factors that led to this decision and the impact it had on her career.

Seventhly, the monograph examines Wright's sudden switch from classical Greek literature to translating medieval Latin medical texts. It explores the reasons behind this transition and the challenges she faced in adapting to a new field of study.

The monograph also places Wright's journey from Mason College to Girton College, Cambridge, the University of Chicago, and Bryn Mawr College into historical context. It assesses the significance of Wright's work, particularly on the life of the Emperor Julian, and highlights her contributions to the field of classical studies.

The author of this monograph is a research fellow at the University of St Andrews, where she conducts research in classical studies. She has published several books, including Julian and Christianity (Cornell) and numerous articles in prestigious journals such as Harvard Studies in Classical Philology, Classical Quarterly, and Classical Philology.

Overall, this monograph offers a deep and insightful exploration of the life and work of Wilmer Cave Wright, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women in classical studies. It sheds light on the formative years of Wright's career, her decision-making processes, and the impact of her scholarship on the field. The monograph is a testament to Wright's remarkable talent, dedication, and resilience, and it serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in classical history and literature.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913701420