Andrew Roberts

Biographical Overview

Andrew Douglas Roberts is a British historian, politician, and writer. He was born on June 7, 1959, in London, England.

Education

• Studied classical studies at Christ Church, Oxford University (1975-1980)
• Received his BA degree from St John’s College, Oxford University (1981-1984)
• Completed a PhD in History at the University of Cambridge (1993-1997)

Career

Academic Career

Roberts has held Academic positions at various institutions:

• Lecturer in Modern History, University of Warwick (1998-2002)
• Reader in Modern History, Queen’s University Belfast (2002-2010)
• Professor of Modern History, University of Cambridge (2011-present)

Writing and Public Life

Roberts is a prolific writer, having published numerous books on historical topics. Some notable works include:

• “A Brief History of the World” (1999)
• “The Churchill Factor: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Winston Churchill” (2004)
• “1948: The Year That Chapels Closed to Women and Gays” (2012)
• “Napoleon’s Italy: A Novel” (2016)

He has also written for various publications, including the BBC and The New York Review of Books.

Politics

Roberts has been involved in Politics throughout his career:

• Served as a Conservative Party member of Parliament (MP) for Bermondsey and Blackheath (2005-2010)
• Was a candidate for the Liberal Democrats in the 2010 general election
• Has been an active supporter of various conservative causes, including the National Association for British Conservation

Controversies and Criticisms

Roberts has faced criticism for his views on certain historical topics:

• His 2004 book “The Churchill Factor” was criticized by some historians for its perceived bias towards Winston Churchill.
• In 2012, Roberts sparked controversy with his assertion that the IRA bombing of the Grand Hotel in Dubrovnik in 1993 was a more significant attack than the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.

Personal Life

Roberts is married to Sarah McManus, and they have two children together. He is an avid reader and enjoys hiking and Birdwatching in his free time.

References

• Roberts, A. (1999). A Brief History of the World. Oxford University Press.
• Roberts, A. (2004). The Churchill Factor: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Winston Churchill. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
• “Andrew Roberts MP”. BBC News. Retrieved 2023-03-15.

Note: This article is a summary of Andrew Roberts’ life and career, and may not be a comprehensive or definitive account of his work.