Identity area
Reference code
Crook/E/E6/4/50
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 24 Sep. 1944 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1 p. paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Crook was born in Balham, London in 1921. His father was Herbert Crook, a professional orchestral musician who served in the Grenadier Guards, and his mother was Hilda née Flower. Following schooling at St Mary's, Balham and Dulwich College, where he developed his linguistic and musical gifts, Crook came to St John's in 1939 to study Classics. A First in Part I was followed by war service in the Middle East, North Africa and Italy, including sixteen months as a POW in Silesia. Following graduation in 1947, Crook spent time as a research student at Oxford and then as a lecturer at Reading. In 1951 he returned to St John's as a Fellow and thereafter devoted himself to scholarship and to his beloved College. He served as a teaching Fellow for over thirty years, and, in addition, held the offices of Tutor, Praelector, and President (1971-75). Crook served the University as Lecturer, Reader, and eventually Professor of Ancient History (1979-84). A superb performer in the lecture theatre, he was a most hospitable and generous host to visitors to his College rooms. In the wider world, Crook acquired an international reputation as an expert on Roman law and legal practice through masterful works such as 'Consilium Principis' (1955), 'Law and Life of Rome' (1967), and 'Legal Advocacy in the Roman World' (1995).
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Assures them that he is well. Writes that he continues to study Classics but worries that, if he is detained for too long, he may be too old to begin an academic career. Reports that he has written to Charlesworth on the matter. Asks about the 'excitement' that his parents mentioned in their letter. Refers to correspondence with Gretel Grey, John Ferguson and Peter Starnes.