Walter Bruno Henning: Unveiling the Secrets of Middle Iranian Languages and Literature

A Pioneer in the Field of Iranian Studies

Walter Bruno Henning was a renowned German scholar who made significant contributions to the field of Middle Iranian languages and literature, particularly in the study of the Turfan manuscripts. He is best known for his groundbreaking work on the Manichaean manuscripts, which shed light on the history of Manichaeism and its significance in the context of Middle Iranian literature.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 26, 1908, in Ragnit, East Prussia (now Neman, Russia), Henning grew up in Kslin, Pomerania, on the Baltic Sea. Initially, he pursued mathematics at the University of Gttingen, but soon shifted his focus to Iranian languages, which became his lifelong passion. Under the guidance of Friedrich Carl Andreas, a prominent authority on Middle Iranian literature, Henning received a Ph.D. summa cum laude in 1931 for his study on the Middle Iranian verb in the Turfan collection.

Rise to Prominence

The Prussian Academy of Sciences appointed Henning as the editor of the Manichaean manuscripts in 1932, a position that led him to Berlin. During this period, he completed several studies initiated by Andreas, which were later published as the three-volume Mitteliranische Manichaica aus Chinesisch-Turkestan. This work cemented Henning's reputation as a leading expert in the field. Additionally, he published Ein manichisches Bet- und Beichtbuch, the first major publication of the Sogdian language texts, which was a significant milestone in the study of Middle Iranian literature.

Personal Life and Career Highlights

While in Berlin, Henning became engaged to Maria Polotzky, the sister of his colleague Hans Jakob Polotzky. Due to the danger posed by the Nazi regime, he accepted an invitation to succeed Harold Walter Bailey at the University of Cambridge in 1936. This marked a significant turning point in his career, as he continued to make substantial contributions to the field of Iranian studies.

Legacy and Impact

Henning's work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of Middle Iranian languages and literature. His publications have served as a foundation for future generations of scholars, and his contributions to the field have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of Manichaeism and its significance in the context of Middle Iranian literature.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

Though Henning's work was marked by its academic rigor, he was known for his humility and kindness. As a testament to his character, his colleagues and students often quoted his saying, "The most difficult thing in scholarship is to say something that is not already known."

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Henning received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of Iranian studies. In 1958, he was elected as a Fellow of the British Academy, a prestigious recognition of his academic achievements.

Historical Context and Legacy

Henning's work was shaped by the tumultuous period of World War II, during which he continued to work tirelessly, making significant contributions to the field. His legacy extends beyond his academic achievements, as he inspired a generation of scholars to pursue the study of Middle Iranian languages and literature.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Henning maintained a lifelong interest in mathematics, which he believed helped him develop a more nuanced understanding of linguistic patterns.
• He was known for his exceptional skill in deciphering ancient scripts, which earned him the nickname "the codebreaker of Turfan".

Conclusion

Walter Bruno Henning's pioneering work in the field of Middle Iranian languages and literature has left an indelible mark on the academic community. His dedication to scholarship, coupled with his humility and kindness, have inspired generations of scholars to pursue the study of this fascinating field.