Introduction: ‘De Omni Scribili’

Abstract

This book is a tribute to a historian of rare ability, fertility and generosity: a grammar school boy from working-class London who became Britain’s authority on the histories of the Enlightenment and of madness; a Stakhanovite scholar, teacher and editor who became a media star; a Bohemian of astonishing efficiency who freely gave encouragement and assistance to students and colleagues, and to amateurs and the public at large. It was not hard to find willing contributors to this volume, for many historians grieved at his early death as we also treasure his example and are grateful for his rich gifts. This volume’s authors, like its editors, were Roy’s colleagues, collaborators and students; the collection represents some of his interests and approaches, and it illustrates the impact of his work on the fields which he enlivened. It is, therefore, also an exploration of what it means to be a ‘Porterian’ social historian.