A. J. P. Taylor

Date of Birth: March 25, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 7, 1990

Biography

Alan John Percivale Taylor, commonly known as A. J. P. Taylor, was a prominent British historian born on March 25, 1906, in Birkdale, Lancashire, England. Taylor was a prolific writer and a well-known television personality, renowned for his works on 19th and 20th-century European history. He was educated at Oriel College, Oxford, where he studied modern history. Taylor’s career took off with his first major work, “The Italian Problem in European Diplomacy 1847-1849,” published in 1934. He became a lecturer at the University of Manchester and later a fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford. Taylor gained widespread recognition for his book “The Struggle for Mastery in Europe 1848-1918” (1954), which was highly praised for its insightful analysis and engaging prose. His most controversial work, “The Origins of the Second World War” (1961), challenged the widely held belief that Adolf Hitler had a master plan for European domination, arguing instead that the war resulted from a series of miscalculations by European leaders. Aside from his academic contributions, Taylor was a media personality, known for his lively and often provocative debates on television. He had a talent for making complex historical events accessible to the general public, which contributed to his widespread popularity. Taylor continued to write and lecture until his death on September 7, 1990. His works remain influential, and he is remembered as one of the most significant British historians of the 20th century.

5 Interesting Facts about A. J. P. Taylor

1. A. J. P. Taylor was expelled from his first school, Bootham School in York, due to his rebellious nature.

2. He was a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain for a brief period during the 1930s.

3. Taylor was known for his prolific output, writing over 30 books and numerous articles throughout his career.

4. He was one of the first historians to utilize television as a medium for historical education, making his debut on the BBC in the 1950s.

5. Despite his controversial views, Taylor was elected a fellow of the British Academy in 1960.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from A. J. P. Taylor

1. “Nothing is inevitable until it happens.”

2. “History gets thicker as it approaches recent times.”

3. “The greatest problem about old age is the fear that it may go on too long.”

4. “The only lesson of history is that men do not learn very much from history.”

5. “There is nothing more agreeable in life than to make peace with the Establishment — and nothing more corrupting.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

A. J. P. Taylor’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but it is estimated that he earned a comfortable living through his numerous book sales, public lectures, and television appearances. At the peak of his career, his works were widely read, and he was a well-compensated academic and media figure.

Children

A. J. P. Taylor had four children. He married three times; his children include two sons and two daughters. His daughter, Clare Taylor, followed in his footsteps and became a historian.