Sir William Jones 1746-1794: A Commemoration [Hardcover]

Alexander Murray (Editor), Richard Gombrich (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 25, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0199201900 | ISBN-13: 978-0199201907

Sir William Jones was one of the greatest polymaths in history. At the time of his early death, in 1794, he knew 13 languages thoroughly and another 28 moderately well. But languages were for him only a means of reaching a deeper understanding, in contrasting cultures, of law, history, literature, music, botany, and other disciplines. Elected at the age of 26 to Johnson's Literary Club and knighted at 37, Jones was a close friend to many leading English luminaries of his time. He was called "Oriental Jones" by some, and his study of middle-eastern cultures, his championship of American independence, and finally his appointment as high court judge in Calcutta, made him a truly universal figure. On the bicentenary of his death, several scholars met at University College, Oxford--his old college--to commemorate his outstanding career and achievements. They found representative themes in Jones's life and work, aiming to strike a balance therein, and to remember, especially, the view taken of Jones by his informed contemporaries. This collection of fascinating papers is a result of that meeting.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`a sold and sustainable case for seeing Jones's work, in Alexander Murray's words, as "a turning point" in "the history of cultural growth" ... This collection is a work of piety, but one of measured and justifiable piety.' P. J. Marshall, Times Literary Supplement

a collective tribute which combines disinterested kindness and deep insight into the life and works of one of the greatest polymaths.

`it is a handsomely executed and humane commemoration of this great alumnus of University College, Oxford' Jeng-Guo Chen, History, January 2000

`A handsomely executed and humane commemoration.' Jeng-Guo Chen, History Vol.85 No.277

About the Author

Alexander Murray is at University College, Oxford.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 202 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199201900
• ISBN-13: 978-0199201907
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,100,094 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)