George Grote

George Grote (1794–1871) was an English political radical and classical historian, renowned for his monumental "History of Greece." Born into a banking family, Grote received his early education at home and then at Sevenoaks and Charterhouse Schools. Despite his father's wishes, he pursued classical studies and intellectual pursuits in his spare time while working at the family bank. Influenced by economists like David Ricardo and philosophers like James Mill and Jeremy Bentham, Grote became a proponent of radical political reform. He married Harriet Lewin in 1820, who was a writer and his biographer. Grote was elected as a Member of Parliament for the City of London in 1832, where he advocated for reforms such as the secret ballot. After leaving Parliament in 1841, he dedicated himself to his historical research. His "History of Greece," published in twelve volumes between 1846 and 1856, provided a comprehensive and influential account of ancient Greek civilization. Later in his career, he focused on Plato, publishing "Plato, and the Other Companions of Sokrates" in 1865. Grote's work is characterized by its detailed scholarship and his defense of Athenian democracy. He also held significant academic positions, including President of the Royal Historical Society and Vice-Chancellor of the University of London. Grote died in 1871 and is buried in Westminster Abbey.