Edith Hamilton

Date of Birth: August 12, 1867

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: May 31, 1963

Biography

Edith Hamilton was an American educator and author who became renowned for her writings on ancient civilizations. Born on August 12, 1867, in Dresden, Germany, to American parents, she spent her early years immersed in the study of Greek and Latin. Hamilton’s family moved back to the United States when she was a child, and she eventually attended Bryn Mawr College. Her academic prowess earned her a fellowship to study in Germany, where she attended the universities of Leipzig and Munich. Hamilton’s career as an educator began when she became the first headmistress of the Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, Maryland, a position she held for 26 years. After retiring from teaching, she turned her attention to writing and published her first book, “The Greek Way,” in 1930, which was followed by “The Roman Way” in 1932. Her works gained widespread acclaim for their clarity, accessibility, and insight into ancient cultures. Hamilton continued to write and lecture throughout her life, receiving numerous honors and awards, including honorary degrees from multiple universities. She passed away on May 31, 1963, in Washington, D.C., leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost classical scholars of her time.

5 Interesting Facts about Edith Hamilton

1. Edith Hamilton was awarded the Golden Cross of the Order of Benefaction by the King of Greece in 1957 for her contributions to the understanding of Greek culture.

2. Despite her deep knowledge of ancient cultures, Hamilton never visited Greece or Rome until she was 90 years old.

3. She was the eldest of five children, all of whom were highly accomplished in their respective fields.

4. Hamilton’s translation of ancient texts was praised for maintaining the spirit and style of the originals while making them accessible to modern readers.

5. She was a significant influence on the revival of interest in classical education in the United States during the 20th century.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edith Hamilton

1. “The Greeks were the first people to examine critically the rights and wrongs of their gods and the first to feel the pangs of doubt.”

2. “To be able to be caught up into the world of thought—that is educated.”

3. “The ancient Greeks were the first intellectuals.”

4. “There is no substitute for the comfort supplied by the utterly taken-for-granted relationship.”

5. “Great art is the expression of a solution of the conflict between the demands of the world without and that within.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Edith Hamilton’s net worth is not well-documented, as her career was primarily in academia and writing, fields not typically associated with significant financial gain.