Alexander William Mair (1865 – 1928) was a Scottish classical scholar and academic, noted for his contributions to the study and translation of ancient Greek literature. He served as Professor of Greek at the University of Edinburgh from 1910 until his death in 1928.
Early life and education
Mair was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1865. He attended the University of Glasgow, where he earned a first‑class degree in classics. He subsequently continued his studies at Balliol College, Oxford, obtaining a second class in Literae Humaniores.
Academic career
After completing his education, Mair held teaching positions at several institutions, including a lectureship at the University of St Andrews. In 1910, he was appointed Professor of Greek at the University of Edinburgh, a post he retained for eighteen years. During his tenure, he was recognized for his rigorous approach to Greek philology and his ability to make classical texts accessible to a broader audience.
Publications and scholarship
Mair’s scholarly output includes critical editions, translations, and commentaries on a range of Greek authors. Notable works include:
- Translation of Hesiod – Mair produced an English translation of Hesiod’s Works and Days and Theogony for the Loeb Classical Library, accompanied by detailed introductory notes and commentary.
- Greek Popular Religion – A study examining the religious practices and beliefs of ancient Greece, focusing on cultic rituals and folk traditions.
- Editions of Greek Lyric Poetry – He edited collections of Greek lyric poets, providing textual criticism and explanatory apparatus.
Mair also contributed articles on classical subjects to the Encyclopædia Britannica and other scholarly periodicals.
Honours and affiliations
In recognition of his academic contributions, Mair was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was an active member of several learned societies, including the Classical Association of Scotland.
Personal life and death
Mair married Margaret (surname not widely documented) and had at least one child. He died in Edinburgh in 1928, after a brief illness. His legacy persists through his published works, which remain reference points for scholars of Greek literature and mythology.
