D. S. Margoliouth was a member of New College for 63 years. Even before his appointment to the Laudian chair in Arabic, his grasp of the Arabic language, largely self-taught, was well up to the high level expected of such a position. This Note pursues various strands across his work and life: the philological and textual brilliance, the irony, the apparent detachment, the rather limited humour, and the tone which at times infuriated Muslim and even European readers, co-existing with exceptional kindness, sensitivity to injustice, and a willingness to help.
 

‘Complimentary Dinner to Dr. D. S. Margoliouth’ seating plan (12 January 1938)
New College Archives, Oxford, NCA BCF/154
 

New College Library and Archives, Oxford