A. J. P. Taylor
A.J.P. Taylor: A Life of Historiography
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Albert John Percival Taylor was a British historian, academic, and journalist who is commonly known as A.J.P. Taylor.
Birth and Death Dates
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Taylor was born on November 25, 1906, in Leicester, England, and passed away on September 22, 1990, at the age of 83.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: British
Profession(s): Historian, Academic, Journalist
Early Life and Background
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Taylor's early life was marked by a passion for history and politics. He was born into a family that valued education, and his father encouraged him to pursue his interests in history. Taylor attended the nearby Leicester Grammar School before proceeding to Balliol College, Oxford University, where he studied history.
At Oxford, Taylor developed a fascination with modern European history, particularly Germany and Italy. His academic pursuits were interrupted by World War II, during which he worked for the BBC's Monitoring Service, analyzing propaganda broadcasts from enemy countries.
Major Accomplishments
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Taylor's career as an historian was marked by numerous accomplishments:
BBC Reith Lectures: Taylor delivered the prestigious BBC Reith Lectures in 1955, where he discussed "The Origins of the Second World War."
Chairman of the Labour Party History Group: Taylor chaired this group from 1949 to 1961 and played a key role in shaping the party's understanding of history.
Publication of seminal works: Taylor published several influential books, including "English History 1914-1945" (1965), "The Struggle for Mastery in Europe 1848-1918" (1954), and "Bismarck: The Man and the Statesman" (1955).Notable Works or Actions
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Taylor's notable works include:
"English History 1914-1945": This book is considered a classic of modern English history, providing an engaging narrative that explores the country's experience during World War I and the interwar period.
"The Origins of the Second World War": Taylor argued in this book that Nazi Germany was not solely responsible for the outbreak of World War II, but rather that other European powers, particularly Britain and France, also bore significant blame.Impact and Legacy
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Taylor's work had a profound impact on the field of historiography:
Innovative approaches to history: Taylor introduced a fresh perspective to historical scholarship by emphasizing the importance of context and encouraging historians to engage with broader intellectual and cultural debates.
Challenging established narratives: Through his writings, Taylor challenged conventional wisdoms about World War II and the origins of modern conflict.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Taylor's quotes and insights continue to be widely quoted due to their relevance and prescience:
Insights into historical context: Taylor's work offers a nuanced understanding of the complex historical contexts that shape international relations.
* Prescient views on contemporary issues: His writings often anticipated developments in modern politics, making him a respected voice in both academic and public discourse.
Quotes by A. J. P. Taylor
There is nothing more agreeable in life than to make peace with the Establishment - and nothing more corrupting.
All other forms of history – economic history, social history, psychological history, above all sociology – seem to me history with the history left out.
There is nothing nicer than nodding off while reading. Going fast asleep and then being woken by the crash of the book on the floor, then saying to yourself, well it doesn’t matter much. An admirable feeling.
A racing tipster who only reached Hitler’s level of accuracy would not do well for his clients.
The male clerk with his quill pen and copper-plate handwriting had gone for good. The female short-hand typist took his place. It was a decisive moment in women’s emancipation.
In my opinion, most of the great men of the past were only there for the beer – the wealth, prestige and grandeur that went with the power.
Psychoanalysts believe that the only “normal” people are those who cause not trouble to either themselves or anyone else.
Lenin was the first to discover that capitalism ‘inevitably’ caused war; and he discovered this only when the First World War was already being fought. Of course he was right. Since every great state was capitalist in 1914.
Bismarck fought ‘necessary’ wars and killed thousands, the idealists of the twentieth century fight ‘just’ wars and kill millions.