Robert Scott: The Philologist Behind the Definitive Greek-English Lexicon
Robert Scott was a distinguished British academic and Anglican clergyman whose contributions to the study of classical languages remain influential today. While he held numerous prestigious positions within the church and academia, he is most celebrated for his work in philology—the branch of knowledge that deals with the structure, historical development, and relationships of languages.
Scott's legacy is inextricably linked to the creation of one of the most enduring scholarly tools in the English-speaking world: the Greek-English Lexicon. This monumental work continues to serve as a primary resource for students and scholars of ancient Greek.
Key Facts
- Primary Achievement: Co-authored the Greek-English Lexicon (commonly known as Liddell and Scott).
- Academic Tenure: Professor of Greek at the University of Oxford for over 30 years.
- Ecclesiastical Roles: Served as the Dean of Rochester and a prebendary of Exeter Cathedral.
- Educational Background: Alumnus of Christ Church, Oxford.
- Literary Curiosity: Produced the first known German translation of Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky".
Early Life and Education
Born on January 26, 1811, in Bondleigh, Devon, England, Robert Scott's academic journey began at St Bees School in Cumbria and continued at Shrewsbury School in Shropshire. He eventually pursued classics at Christ Church, Oxford, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1833.
A Career of Faith and Scholarship
Scott balanced a rigorous academic life with his duties as an Anglican clergyman. Ordained in 1835, he held several significant positions over the following decades. From 1845 to 1850, he held the college living of Duloe, Cornwall, and served as a prebendary of Exeter Cathedral until 1866. He also served as the rector of South Luffenham, Rutland, from 1850 to 1854.
His ascent in Oxford academia was marked by his election as the Master of Balliol College. Between 1861 and 1870, he held the position of Dean Ireland's Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture—the critical explanation or interpretation of religious texts. His career culminated in his appointment as the Dean of Rochester in 1870, a role he held until his death on December 2, 1887.
The Liddell and Scott Lexicon
The crowning achievement of Scott's professional life was the co-editing of A Greek-English Lexicon alongside his colleague Henry Liddell. This work became the standard dictionary for the classical Greek language. The project was originally proposed to Scott by David Alphonso Talboys, a London bookseller and publisher, and was eventually published by the Oxford University Press.
Known colloquially as "Liddell and Scott," the lexicon is praised for its precision and depth, remaining a staple in classical studies more than a century after its inception.
Literary Pursuits and Lewis Carroll
Beyond his formal academic and religious duties, Scott possessed a playful intellectual side. In 1872, he became fascinated by Lewis Carroll's nonsense poem "Jabberwocky." Scott translated the piece into German, titling it "Der Jammerwoch."
This led to a humorous exchange of letters between Scott and Carroll (Charles Dodgson), in which Scott jokingly claimed that his German version was the original text and that Carroll's English poem was actually the translation.
Summary of Robert Scott's Life
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | January 26, 1811 – December 2, 1887 |
| Nationality | British |
| Primary Occupation | Philologist and Anglican Clergyman |
| Major Work | A Greek-English Lexicon |
| Key Institutions | University of Oxford, Balliol College, Rochester Cathedral |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert Scott most famous for?
Robert Scott is most famous for co-authoring the Greek-English Lexicon with Henry Liddell, a definitive dictionary of classical Greek that is still utilized by scholars today.
What was Robert Scott's role at the University of Oxford?
Scott was a professor of Greek at the University of Oxford for over thirty years and served as the Master of Balliol College.
Did Robert Scott have a career in the church?
Yes, he was an Anglican clergyman who served as a prebendary of Exeter Cathedral, rector of South Luffenham, and eventually the Dean of Rochester.
What was Scott's connection to Lewis Carroll?
Scott translated Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky" into German as "Der Jammerwoch" and engaged in a playful correspondence with Carroll regarding the "originality" of the translation.
Where was Robert Scott educated?
He attended St Bees School and Shrewsbury School before graduating from Christ Church, Oxford, in 1833.