Description

Description: This brief typed letter to Mr. Seymour van Santvoord of Troy, New York is boldly signed by Ralph Van Deman Magoffin (1874-1942), an American archaeologist. The July 20, 1928 letter reads: “I wish I could respond in something like decent kind to your pamphlet of today which contains the two addresses to the Graduating Class of the Albany Law School, one by yourself and the other, I take it from Who’s Who, by your father. I am very much obliged indeed.”

Typed on an 11″ x 8 1/2″ sheet of official Archaeological Institute of America stationery where Magoffin is listed as the President. Item #A01939

Ralph Van Deman Magoffin (1874-1942) was an American classical scholar and archaeologist known for his study of the Italian city of Praeneste. Magoffin taught ancient history and archaeology at Johns Hopkins University, was affiliated with the American Academy in Rome (1920-1921), and served as chair of the Department of Classics at New York University (1923-1930). From 1921 to 1931 he served as president of the Archaeological Institute of America. Magoffin was also the nephew of Esther Boise Van Deman (1862-1937), an American archaeologist who developed techniques that allowed her to estimate the building dates of ancient buildings in Rome.

Condition: Mailing fold lines, otherwise very good condition with a large, neat signature.