[Benjamin Jowett, Master of Balliol College, Oxford.] Autograph Letter Signed ('B. Jowett') to T. W. Jex-Blake, Headmaster of Rugby School, regarding 'the prosperity' of the school, the regaining of its 'prestige', and the accepting of 'certificates

Author: 
Benjamin Jowett (1817-1893), Master of Balliol College, Oxford, influential tutor and administrator at the University [Thomas William Jex-Blake (1832-1915), Headmaster of Rugby School, Dean of Wells]
Publication details: 
27 September [no year]. Oxford.
£120.00
SKU: 22517

The 1880 'Balliol Masque' indicates Jowett's standing, and the pronunciation of his name: 'First come I. My name is Jowett. | There's no knowledge but I know it. | I am Master of this College, |What I don't know isn't knowledge.' 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with fold lines. Begins: 'My dear Jex Blake | I am very glad to hear of the prosperity of Rugby, in which I shall always take a great interest. In a year or two the past will be forgotten & you will again regain your old prestige.' He plans to answer his question in three weeks time, 'or if I do not perhaps Mr Pearson will write & ask me again. We have not yet settled the question whether the certificates shall be received or not'. He continues on the subject, with reference to a meeting, before turning to his health: 'I am much better than I was this time last year, & hope still to get some work done, if my health holds up.' He ends in the hope of coming to see Jex-Blake 'at Rugby for a night' if he is able, and that Jex-Blake and his wife 'will come & see us at Oxford in the course of the next few months'.