1984 Saint John Spring Convocation
Wright, Esmond
Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)
Orator: Logan, Alan
Citation:
CONVOCATION, MAY, 1984
ESMOND WRIGHT
to be Doctor of Letters
"The history of the United States is strikingly different from the history of Britain and of Europe. It cannot be assessed by European standards or be read in European terms." These daunting words, written by Esmond Wright in his book American Themes, would seem to suggest that American history should best be left to American historians. Fortunately, he has chosen not to follow this premise and the study of revolutionary history has, in consequence, been much enriched by the erudite scholarship of this remarkable Scotsman.
Esmond Wright received his undergraduate education at Durham University (arguably one of Britain's finest institutions) then went to the University of Virginia, where his interest in American history was first awakened. World War II saw him serving in Army Intelligence in the Middle East, where he emerged with the rank of Lt. Colonel. From 1946-1967 he taught at Glasgow University, the last 11 years as Professor of Modern History. Always interested in politics, he ran for parliament in the Glasgow Pollock constituency as a conservative and was successful, subsequently serving for four years as a member of the House of Commons. ln 1971 he returned to academia, becoming Professor of American History and Director of the newly-established Institute of United States Studies at London University. He has remained in this position until his recent retirement in 1983.
He is the author of many books and articles, including Washington and the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin and American Independence, Fabric of Freedom, American Themes, Tug of Loyalists and, most recently, Red, White & True Blue. He was deeply involved in the Loyalist Papers Project in the 1970's which resulted in the preservation of the Canadian collection of Loyalist publications in the Harriet Irving Library.
It is singularly appropriate that in New Brunswick's Bicentennial Year we honour a scholar with strong associations with our Provincial University and with our Loyalist heritage. Although he is no stranger to our shores, we welcome Esmond Wright once again to New Brunswick and take great pleasure in bestowing on him the degree of Doctor of Letters.
Insignissime Praeses, amplissima Cancellaria, tota Universitas, praesento vobis Esmundum Wright ut admittatur honoris causa ad gradem Doctoris in Litteris in hac Universitate.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
ESMOND WRIGHT
to be Doctor of Letters
"The history of the United States is strikingly different from the history of Britain and of Europe. It cannot be assessed by European standards or be read in European terms." These daunting words, written by Esmond Wright in his book American Themes, would seem to suggest that American history should best be left to American historians. Fortunately, he has chosen not to follow this premise and the study of revolutionary history has, in consequence, been much enriched by the erudite scholarship of this remarkable Scotsman.
Esmond Wright received his undergraduate education at Durham University (arguably one of Britain's finest institutions) then went to the University of Virginia, where his interest in American history was first awakened. World War II saw him serving in Army Intelligence in the Middle East, where he emerged with the rank of Lt. Colonel. From 1946-1967 he taught at Glasgow University, the last 11 years as Professor of Modern History. Always interested in politics, he ran for parliament in the Glasgow Pollock constituency as a conservative and was successful, subsequently serving for four years as a member of the House of Commons. ln 1971 he returned to academia, becoming Professor of American History and Director of the newly-established Institute of United States Studies at London University. He has remained in this position until his recent retirement in 1983.
He is the author of many books and articles, including Washington and the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin and American Independence, Fabric of Freedom, American Themes, Tug of Loyalists and, most recently, Red, White & True Blue. He was deeply involved in the Loyalist Papers Project in the 1970's which resulted in the preservation of the Canadian collection of Loyalist publications in the Harriet Irving Library.
It is singularly appropriate that in New Brunswick's Bicentennial Year we honour a scholar with strong associations with our Provincial University and with our Loyalist heritage. Although he is no stranger to our shores, we welcome Esmond Wright once again to New Brunswick and take great pleasure in bestowing on him the degree of Doctor of Letters.
Insignissime Praeses, amplissima Cancellaria, tota Universitas, praesento vobis Esmundum Wright ut admittatur honoris causa ad gradem Doctoris in Litteris in hac Universitate.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
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