Reginald Walter Macan
Irish classical scholar (1848–1941)
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Reginald Walter Macan (1848 – 23 March 1941) was an Irish classical scholar.[2] He was educated at University College, Oxford, where he gained a First in Classical Moderations in 1869 and a First in Literae Humaniores ('Greats') in 1871.[3] He held a Fellowship at the college (1884–1906) and was appointed Master in March 1906.[4] He was only the second layman Master of the college after Anthony Gate, Master from 1584 to 1597.[5]
Reginald Walter Macan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1848 |
| Died | 23 March 1941 Oxford, England |
| Occupations | Classical scholar; Master of University College, Oxford |
| Known for | Books on Herodotus[1] |
| Spouse | Mildred Healey (1881) |
| Children | Three daughters, including Agatha Perrin |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | University College, Oxford |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Classics |
| Institutions | Christ Church, Oxford; University College, Oxford |
Reginald Macan was originally from Dublin, Ireland, and retained his Irish accent until the 1890s. He was an undergraduate at University College, Oxford, and then a "Student" (the equivalent of a Fellow) of Christ Church after obtaining his degree.[6] He returned to University College as a Fellow and Tutor in 1884 until becoming Master of the college in 1906.[5] He retired in 1923.
Macan had a reputation as a heretic early in his career, but delivered addresses in the chapel at University College at least annually.[5] Like his predecessor as Master, J. Frank Bright, he was nicknamed the "Mugger" by students.
Macan applied archaeological discoveries to the study of ancient history. He produced a major set of books on Herodotus.[1]
In 1913, Reginald Macan visited New York and spoke at the Sphinx Club about Rhodes Scholars at Oxford University.[7]
In 1881, Macan married Mildred Healey;[8] they had three daughters, one of whom Agatha Perrin married Eric Forbes Adam.[9] He retired to Boars Hill, south of Oxford, and lived there till the age of 93.[5][6]
Maurice Greiffenhagen painted a formal portrait of Macan in academic dress, located at University College in Oxford.[10]
