About the Translation

W.E. Brown, Lafayette College Archives
W.E. Brown, Lafayette College Archives

William Edward Brown, a Lafayette College faculty member, translated the Lafayette Papyrus in 1934.  Brown taught Greek and other classics during his tenure at the College from 1927-1973, but was also a student of Greek, Latin, Dutch, Norwegian, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese languages.  Brown served in World War II with the Army Signal Corps, and while in the service became involved with code cracking.  After his retirement, Brown produced a multi-volume A History of Russian Literature published by Ardis Press.  His translation of the Lafayette Papyrus is the most accurate translation available.

W. E. Brown’s Translation