Missing Persons: An Autobiography

Missing Persons: An Autobiography traces the life and career of classical scholar E.R. Dodds, from his early years in Ireland through his academic posts at Oxford and Birmingham. The narrative follows his development as a leading authority on Greek literature and thought during the first half of the 20th century. Dodds recounts his interactions with major literary and intellectual figures of his era, including W.B. Yeats, W.H. Auden, and members of the Oxford academic circle. His accounts of university life and scholarly pursuits are interwoven with observations about the social and political transformations he witnessed across decades. The memoir moves between personal reflection and scholarly discussion, offering insights into both the author's private experiences and his professional contributions to classical studies. His examination of rationality and irrationality in Greek thought parallels his own explorations of psychical research and paranormal phenomena. The autobiography serves as both a chronicle of 20th-century intellectual life and an investigation into the intersection of reason and mysticism that defined much of Dodds' work. Through his personal story, larger questions emerge about the relationship between classical scholarship and modern thought.

This autobiography has very limited reader reviews available online, with no listings found on Goodreads or Amazon. The few academic reviews that exist note Dodds' account of his work in classical scholarship and psychical research. Readers appreciated: - Personal insights into early 20th century academic life at Oxford - Details about his relationships with other scholars like Gilbert Murray - Discussion of his involvement in the Society for Psychical Research Common criticisms: - Limited discussion of his personal life outside academia - Formal, reserved tone of writing - Lack of detail about his most influential academic works No mainstream review sites have ratings for this book. The only traceable reviews appear in academic journals from when the book was published in 1977. Due to the book's specialized academic nature and limited printing, there are few public reader reviews to analyze.

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🔹 E.R. Dodds served as Regius Professor of Greek at Oxford University (1936-1960), following in the footsteps of Gilbert Murray, who became his close friend and mentor. 🔹 In his autobiography, Dodds describes his experiences with psychical research and paranormal phenomena, which influenced his renowned academic work "The Greeks and the Irrational." 🔹 Published posthumously in 1977, "Missing Persons" provides unique insights into the Irish literary renaissance, as Dodds was friends with W.B. Yeats and knew many key figures in the movement. 🔹 During World War I, Dodds was a conscientious objector and worked with the Friends' Ambulance Unit, experiences he discusses candidly in the memoir. 🔹 The book reveals how Dodds' early exposure to Irish folklore and mysticism through his family background shaped his later scholarly interest in ancient Greek religion and psychology.