author
J. P. (John Pentland) Mahaffy
1839–1919
An Irish classical scholar with a gift for lively, wide-ranging writing, he helped bring the ancient Greek world to general readers as well as students. He spent most of his career at Trinity College Dublin and ended it as the university's provost.
5 Audiobooks
Problems in Greek history
by J. P. (John Pentland) Mahaffy
The Principles of the Art of Conversation
by J. P. (John Pentland) Mahaffy
What Have the Greeks Done for Modern Civilisation?
by J. P. (John Pentland) Mahaffy
Rambles and Studies in Greece
by J. P. (John Pentland) Mahaffy
Old Greek Education
by J. P. (John Pentland) Mahaffy
About the author
Born in Switzerland in 1839 and educated partly in Switzerland and Germany before studying at Trinity College Dublin, John Pentland Mahaffy became one of the best-known Irish classicists of his day. At Trinity he was elected a Fellow and later served as Professor of Ancient History, building a reputation as a brilliant, energetic lecturer and writer.
Mahaffy wrote extensively on Greek history, society, and literature, and he was known for making the ancient world feel vivid and conversational rather than remote. His books reached beyond specialist scholars to a broader reading public, which helped make him an influential interpreter of classical culture in the late 19th century.
In 1914 he became Provost of Trinity College Dublin, a post he held until his death in 1919. He is also remembered as a teacher of Oscar Wilde, who spoke warmly of his influence.