Henry Liddell

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Henry Liddell

Name	Henry Liddell
Birth name
Birth date	6 February 1811
Birth place	Binchester, County Durham, England
Death date	18 January 1898
Death place	Ascot, Berkshire, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Scholar, Dean of Christ Church
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works	A Greek-English Lexicon
Spouse(s)
Website

Henry George Liddell (6 February 1811 – 18 January 1898) was a prominent British classical scholar and lexicographer. He is best known for his work on A Greek-English Lexicon, commonly referred to as "Liddell and Scott," which remains a standard reference work for students of ancient Greek.

Early Life and Education

Henry Liddell was born in Binchester, County Durham, England. He was the son of Henry Liddell, a rector, and Charlotte Lyon. Liddell was educated at Charterhouse School and went on to study at Christ Church, Oxford, where he excelled in classics.

Academic Career

Liddell's academic career began at Oxford, where he became a fellow of Balliol College, Oxford in 1833. He was appointed as a tutor at Christ Church in 1836. His scholarly work focused on classical languages and literature, and he quickly gained a reputation as a leading classicist.

In 1845, Liddell was appointed as the headmaster of Westminster School, a position he held until 1855. During his tenure, he implemented significant educational reforms and emphasized the importance of classical studies.

Dean of Christ Church

In 1855, Liddell returned to Oxford as the Dean of Christ Church, a position he held for 36 years until his retirement in 1891. As Dean, he was responsible for overseeing both the college and the cathedral, and he played a crucial role in the academic and administrative life of the university.

Contributions to Classical Scholarship

Liddell's most significant contribution to classical scholarship is A Greek-English Lexicon, which he co-authored with Robert Scott. First published in 1843, the lexicon was a monumental work that provided comprehensive definitions and explanations of ancient Greek words. It has undergone numerous revisions and remains an essential tool for students and scholars of Greek.

Personal Life

Henry Liddell married Lorina Reeve in 1846, and they had ten children. His daughter, Alice Liddell, is famously known as the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Legacy

Liddell's legacy endures through his contributions to classical scholarship and his influence on education. A Greek-English Lexicon continues to be a vital resource for the study of ancient Greek, and his work as an educator helped shape the academic landscape of his time.

Also see

• A Greek-English Lexicon
• Robert Scott (scholar)
• Christ Church, Oxford
• Alice Liddell
• Lewis Carroll