author
Sir James Donaldson
1831–1915
A leading Scottish classical scholar and education reformer, he brought the study of early Christian literature to a wide audience while helping shape university life in Scotland. His long career joined serious scholarship with practical leadership at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and St Andrews.
1 Audiobook
Woman; Her Position and Influence in Ancient Greece and Rome, and Among the Early Christians
by Sir James Donaldson
About the author
Born in Aberdeen in 1831, he became known as a Scottish classical scholar as well as an educational and theological writer. Reliable sources identify him as Sir James Donaldson FRSE, and note that his work ranged across classical studies, biblical and patristic scholarship, and public education.
Before his years at St Andrews, he served in major school and university posts, including as rector of Stirling High School and the Royal High School in Edinburgh, and later as professor of humanity at the University of Aberdeen. He went on to lead the University of St Andrews, first as Principal of the United College from 1886 and then effectively as Principal of the whole university from 1890 until his death in 1915.
Readers still meet him through works on early Christian writings, especially The Apostolical Fathers and other studies of ancient Christian literature and doctrine. His reputation rests both on his books and on the part he played in expanding and guiding Scottish education during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.