Norman Hampson
Norman Hampson was the Professor of History at the University of York from 1974 to 1989 and fellow of the British Academy in 1980. He specialised in the French Revolution and European Enlightenment. During the Second World War Hampson's service in the Royal Navy included two years as liaison officer with the Free French Navy.
“Pardon if all the cleanness and the beautyBrave rhythym and the immemorial seaEnsare us sometimes with their siren song,Forgetful of our murderous intentions.Through our uneasy peacetime carnivalCold sweat of death holds us like a dew;Even this grey machinery of murderHolds beauty and the promise of a future.”
Norman Hampson