The Invention of Jane Harrison

In The Invention of Jane Harrison, Mary Beard presents a dynamic portrait of Jane Ellen Harrison, the most renowned female Classicist, highlighting her significant contributions to Greek culture and religion. Through Harrison’s innovative self-presentation and her competition with the lesser-known Eugenie Sellers Strong, Beard explores the dynamics of academic fame and influence within the realm of Classical scholarship. The narrative also sheds light on the rich intellectual climate of the time, questioning established notions of influence while providing an engaging glimpse into the world of early 20th-century scholarship.