1892 Handwritten Letter of Esteem From Toronto University College Professor James McCurdy to Valued Colleague Dr. J. C. Green

On offer is a December 1892 James Frederic McCurdy holograph letter addressed to a Dr. Green.

Letter reads:

490 Spadina Ave. // Toronto, Dec 15, 1892
Dr. J. C. Green;
My dear Sir:
I regret that incessive occupation has prevented from replying earlier to your polite note of Oct. 24.
I am heartily glad to know that you cherish an interest in Oriental Studies at your advanced time of life. Zeal in this particular pursuit is almost monopolized by the younger generation of scholars. There is no doubt that your influence is being steadily used to promote the growth of such a valuable and, may I add, such a timely undertaking as the general encouragement of work in this department of learning.
Trusting that you may have peace and prosperity in your closing days I remain,
Yours faithfully,
J.F. McCurdy

James Frederic McCurdy (1847-1935) was a professor and an orientalist. He was born in Chatham, New Brunswick, and became Professor of Oriental Languages, University College, Toronto, Canada. He was one of the founding members of the University of Toronto's Department of Near Eastern Studies. He studied at the University of New Brunswick, then at the University of Göttingen and University of Leipzig, then Princeton Theological Seminary under William Henry Green. His main area of study was the origins of ancient Hebrew and linguistic archeology. He was one of the scholars who held to the view that the ancient Israelites already had an advanced literary culture at the time of the migration from Canaan to Egypt. He is considered the “father” of biblical studies in Canada.

This piece is a folded paper card 4-½ x 7 inches. Old paper clip mark at top and some anachronistic pencil notations. Very Good condition.