Autor: Harry Thurston Peck

Harry Thurston Peck (1856–1914) was an American classical scholar, critic, and editor with a prolific career spanning from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Born in Stamford, Connecticut, Peck was educated at Columbia College, where he later became a professor of the Latin language and literature. His keen interest in Roman culture and linguistics led him to author books that aimed to offer clarity and deeper understanding of the classics. Among his works is „Latin Pronunciation: A Short Exposition of the Roman Method“, in which Peck argued for a more historically accurate approach to Latin pronunciation over the then-conventional Anglicized methods. His contribution to classical scholarship offered new pedagogical perspectives and brought a measure of modernity to the study of ancient texts. Peck“s literary style was characterized by its precision and accessibility, reflecting a dedication to both scholarly rigor and the wider dissemination of classical learning. Aside from his writings on Latin, Peck was known as the editor of „The International Cyclopædia“, a reference work that indicated his breadth of knowledge and his editorial skills. His career was not without controversy, however, and after an alleged scandal, he left Columbia, but continued to write and edit. Peck“s legacy in classical scholarship remains distinct for his commitment to reviving the Roman method of pronunciation and for his broad contributions to the humanities.