Peter Parsons (1936–2022)
In Peter Parsons the project has recently lost one of its longest serving and most distinguished editors. In the preface to vol. LXXXVII, N. Gonis writes: ‘5584 is the last completed work of Peter Parsons; he died on 16 November 2022. His first editions appeared in volume XXXI (1966), and he served as a General Editor of the series for more than five decades, starting with volume XXXVI (1970), while he led the project for most of this time. His published output reflects his transition from a lecturership in documentary papyrology to the Regius Chair of Greek, though the full range of papyri was never lost from sight; “It’s all Greek”, he used to say. This represents only one side of his involvement in the series; he enabled numerous others to publish papyri, both students whose steps he guided and colleagues whom he advised or encouraged. He joins the same pantheon as the figures of the heroic age, with a distinct legacy; he was a committed teacher, and one who fostered the work of others with as much care as he devoted to his own.’ This is a profound and irreplaceable loss for the Oxyrhynchus Papyri and papyrology, and for many the loss of a dear friend and mentor.
Peter John Parsons, MA, FBA, Hon.PhD. Bern, Hon. PhD. Athens, Hon. D.Litt. Milan
University Lecturer in Documentary Papyrology 1960–65
Research Student of Christ Church 1964–89
University Lecturer in Papyrology 1965–89
Regius Professor of Greek 1989–2003
British Academy Kenyon Medal 2019
For obituaries and reminiscences of Peter’s life and work, see:
https://cucd.blogs.sas.ac.uk/files/2023/02/Peter-Parsons-1936%E2%80%932022.pdf
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/professor-peter-parsons-obituary-d9cx3lm06
https://www.faz.net/-gqz-azyyx
Funeral service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqTfkJyS_50
Memorial event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbUXjHSLmMs
