Norman Davies
Norman Davies
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Sir Norman Alexander Davies is a British historian of Polish descent, best known for his work on European history.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: August 3, 1939
Died: (no record of death)
Nationality and Profession(s)
British historian
Professor Emeritus at the University of London
Early Life and Background
Norman Davies was born in Hampstead, London to a family of Polish Jewish descent. His parents had fled Poland before World War II, and Norman's early life was marked by an interest in history and language.
Davies' love for languages led him to study at the University College School in London, where he developed skills in multiple languages including Polish, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Latin. This linguistic ability would later become a hallmark of his work as a historian.
Major Accomplishments
Davies earned his BA from Oxford University in 1962.
He received his MA from the same institution in 1964.
In 1970, he was awarded his DPhil (Ph.D.) by Oxford for his dissertation on "The Emergence of Modern Poland."
Davies has held positions as a lecturer and professor at several institutions including the University of London and New York University.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works include:
God's Playground: A History of Poland (1981)
Europe: A History (1996-1997) - This two-volume set covers European history from prehistoric times to the present.
* Rising '44: The Battle for Warsaw (2003)
Impact and Legacy
Davies' work has been widely praised by scholars and readers alike. His ability to write engagingly about complex historical topics has made him a beloved figure in academic circles.
As a professor, Davies has inspired generations of historians with his passion for the subject matter and his commitment to teaching excellence. His legacy extends beyond academia into popular culture, where he is known for making history accessible to a broad audience.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Davies' quotes are widely sought after due to their insight into European history. His views on historical events and figures offer a unique perspective that resonates with readers worldwide.
Quotes by Norman Davies
Young people have to learn in a cocoon filled with false optimism. Unlike their parents and grandparents, they grow up with very little sense of the pitiless passage of time.
The most noticeable thing about the Soviet collapse was that it followed a natural course.
I wanted to produce a book that would demonstrate not only the rich diversity of people who answered to Anders's command but also the extraordinary variety of their experiences and emotions: from death to despair, fear and longings and eventually to hope.
I first heard of General Anders and his army more than 50 years ago. I admired him then, and I admire him still; and I feel a special bond with the men, women and children whom he rescued from hunger, disease, and official abuse. Theirs is a story of endurance and fortitude that gives one faith in the human spirit.
There is history in condoms, there is history in lampshades, there is history in everything.
Nearly all interested parties think I write too shortly on the subjects that interest them most.
I find myself sick to death, tired of arguing about details with people who don't know basic facts.
Nowadays, it is no longer possible to maintain that the Nazi-Soviet pact of 23 August 1939 was a fiction invented by bourgeois-imperialist enemies. Everyone has seen the film clips of Herr Ribbentrop landing in Moscow, and of Stalin smiling broadly as Ribbentrop and Molotov signed up side by side.