James Leigh Strachan-Davidson

“ The sceptical view of the 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey,' which regards them as purely works of poetical imagination, has nowhere been more ably presented, and the presentation well illustrates Abbott's independent method in treating historical problems. ”

“ Educated first at Lincoln grammar school and afterwards at the Somerset College, Bath, Abbott was elected in 1862 to an open exhibition at Balliol College, Oxford, and commenced his university residence in October. He established a high reputation among his contemporaries as a scholar, and was likewise distinguished in athletic sports. In 1864 he won the Gaisford prize for Greek verse and a first class in classical moderations. ”