The Invention of Jane Harrison

by Mary Beard
The Invention of Jane Harrison cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 2455
  • Added: 2025-10-14
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9780674008076
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press
  • Published: 2002-05-03
  • Reviews: 4

Jane Ellen Harrison (1850-1928) was a groundbreaking figure in the field of Classics, whose innovative works revolutionized the study of Greek culture and religion. This lively and engaging portrait explores her life and legacy, raising intriguing questions about academic fame and the competition for recognition. Through her groundbreaking scholarship, Harrison challenged traditional views and paved the way for future generations of scholars. This book delves into her personal and professional journey, offering a fresh perspective on her contributions and the enduring impact of her work.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2017-12-02
thought-provoking 4.20

The book raises thought-provoking questions about the process of writing a biography and the nature of academic fame. It provides a vivid picture of the intellectual scene during Harrison's time.

The Goodreads reviewer finds Mary Beard's book to be both engaging and intellectually stimulating. They appreciate the way Beard delves into the complexities of writing a biography, particularly one about a figure as multifaceted as Jane Harrison. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to paint a vivid picture of the intellectual scene during Harrison's time, making it a compelling read. They also note that Beard's exploration of academic fame adds an interesting layer to the narrative, making the book both informative and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Beard definitely puts forward some interesting questions in this book.

    Chapter 1 essentially deals with the process of writing a biography i.e.

    At the same time she provides a vivid picture of a sparkling intellectual scene.

Goodreads · 2017-12-02
engaging 4.00

The book offers a vivid picture of an intellectual scene and provides shrewd history with undiluted fun. It raises interesting questions about the process of writing a biography.

This book is a delightful mix of history and intellectual exploration. The reviewer appreciates how it paints a lively picture of the academic world and finds the exploration of biography writing particularly engaging. They highlight the book's ability to blend serious historical analysis with an enjoyable reading experience. The reviewer is impressed by the way it challenges traditional biographical methods and offers a fresh perspective on Jane Harrison's life and work.

Quick quotes

    At the same time she provides a vivid picture of a sparkling intellectual scene.

    The Invention of Jane Harrison offers shrewd history and undiluted fun.

    Beard definitely puts forward some interesting questions in this book.

London Review of Books · Julia Briggs · 2000-09-21
insightful 4.00

The book challenges traditional biographical narratives, offering a nuanced exploration of Jane Harrison's life and work. It highlights the complexities of academic fame and the process of historical reconstruction.

Julia Briggs appreciates Mary Beard's approach to biography, which she describes as an 'anti-biography.' Briggs notes how Beard avoids oversimplifications and instead confronts previous versions of Harrison's story with a critical eye. The review emphasizes the book's engagement with the difficulties of writing about a historical figure, particularly one as complex as Harrison. Briggs finds Beard's analysis insightful, especially in how it navigates the intellectual scene of Harrison's time and the challenges of reconstructing her legacy.

Quick quotes

    Mary Beard is suspicious of such over-simplifications, however.

    Hers is an anti-biography, which confronts previous versions of Harrison's life.

    Beard's discussion of other aspects of Harrison's work is equally illuminating.

The Independent · 2000-08-12
refreshing 4.50

The book subverts traditional biographical formats by focusing on the complexities of Harrison's life and work. It offers a concise yet rich exploration of her contributions to classical studies.

The reviewer from The Independent highlights how Mary Beard's book deviates from the standard blockbuster biography format. They appreciate the book's brevity and its focus on the nuances of Harrison's intellectual contributions. The review suggests that Beard's approach provides a fresh perspective on Harrison's role in classical studies, making the book both enlightening and enjoyable. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of Harrison's life and work to be both thorough and engaging, offering a unique take on the genre of biography.

Quick quotes

    One of the ways that Mary Beard subverts the standard blockbuster is by devoting a good share of this (agreeably short) book to a second demi-

    Beard's discussion of other aspects of Harrison's work is equally illuminating.

    The book offers shrewd history and undiluted fun.

Appears in Lists