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Abstract

This collection contains largely correspondence (27 ln. ft.), mostly of a professional nature but there are some family or personal letters including extensive correspondence with Samuel Geiser. In addition, the collection contains drafts or copies of Albright's talks, supporting correspondence, etc.; his publications, field work, etc.; and material (documents, diaries, photos) portraying the Timna expedition,1950-1951, in South Arabia. There is also significant documentation on the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem beyond his years as Director (it was renamed the William Foxwell Albright Institute of Archaeological Research a year before his death). On the whole this collection documents in great detail the course of Albright's life as the leading Orientalist of his age.

Background note

William Foxwell Albright was an Orientalist, archaeologist, and linguist. After receiving his Ph.D. from John Hopkins in 1916, he took a professorship there in 1927, and then served as the W. W. Spence Professor of Semitic Languages, 1930-1958. As the Director of the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem, 1922-1929 and then 1933-1936, he accomplished important archaeological work and excavated at the , excavating, for example, at such significant sites in Palestine as Gibeah (Tell el-Fûl, 1922) and Tell Beit Mirsim (1933-1936). In addition, Albright contributed to the the interpretation of the Qumrân, or Dead Sea, scrolls.

Albright held many prestigious significant organizational positions, such as the presidency of: Palestinian Exploration Society (1921-1922, 1934-1935); American Oriental Society (1935-1936); Socierature (1938-39); and the International Organization of Old Testament Scholars (1956-1957). He also served on various committees of the American Philosophical Society, in particular the Research Committee.

Collection information

Restrictions

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Provenance

Presented by David F. Albright, Hugh N. Albright, Paul N. Albright, and Stephen F. Albright and accessioned, 1979.

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