[ Sir Monier Monier- Williams, orientalist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Monier Williams') to 'The Revd Dr. Donaldson', requesting a testimonial for use in his campaign to become Boden Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford

Author: 
Sir Monier Monier- Williams (1819-1899), orientalist, Boden Professor of Sanskrit in the University of Oxford [ John William Donaldson (1811-1861), philologist ]
Publication details: 
Cheltenham. 12 May [ 1860 ].
£180.00
SKU: 19778

The context is explained in Monier-Williams's entry in the Oxford DNB: 'After spending a few years at Cheltenham, where he held an appointment at the college, he was elected Boden professor of Sanskrit in the University of Oxford in December 1860. The election to the professorship was at this time still made by all MAs of the university, after a campaign by the contestants: Williams's rival, in a long and somewhat acrimonious struggle, was Professor F. Max Müller.' 2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with printed slip from catalogue laid down at head. The letter begins: 'I am a candidate for the Boden Professorship at Oxford now vacant. From your knowledge of my works would you object to write me a testimonial stating the estimation in which you hold me as an Orientalist?' He is enclosing 'a copy of a letter (which I conceive I am at liberty to shew privately) from Prof. H. H. Wilson [ Horace Hayman Wilson (1786-1860) ] written to me shortly before his death.' If Donaldson agrees, he asks him to send the testimonial to University College, Oxford, 'whither I go on Monday'.