Andrew Downes (scholar) facts for kids
Andrew Downes (born around 1549, died 1628) was an important English scholar. He was also known as Dounaeus. He was famous for his deep knowledge of ancient Greek. He helped bring back the study of Greek in England during his lifetime.
Andrew Downes' Life
Andrew Downes was born in the county of Shropshire, England. He first went to Shrewsbury School. After that, he studied at St. John's College in Cambridge. At Cambridge, he did a lot to restart the study of Greek. At that time, Greek studies were not very popular.
In 1571, he became a fellow at his college. This means he was a senior member and teacher. Then, in 1585, he was chosen for a very important job. He became the Regius Professor of Greek. He held this teaching position for almost forty years.
Andrew Downes passed away in 1628 in Coton, near Cambridge. A scholar named Simonds d'Ewes attended his lectures. D'Ewes said that Downes was thought to be "the ablest Grecian of Christendom." This means he was considered the best Greek scholar in the Christian world.
Andrew Downes' Contributions
Andrew Downes did not publish many of his own books. However, he focused a lot on the writings of ancient Greek speakers. He helped edit a 1587 edition of Plato's Menexenus. This was the first Greek book printed in Cambridge. It was also the first Greek Plato printed in England. This book was likely used for teaching by Andrew Downes.
He also edited a work by Lysias in 1593. In 1621, he published Praelectiones in Philippicam de pace Demosthenis. This book was about the speeches of Demosthenes and was dedicated to James I of England. Downes also wrote some letters in Greek to Isaac Casaubon. These letters were later printed in Casaubon's collection. He also added notes to John Chrysostom's writings.
A very important part of his work was with the King James Version of the Bible. Andrew Downes was one of the seven scholars who translated the Apocrypha. After the new Bible version was finished, he was also one of six learned men chosen to check it.
