Talk:The History Man

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Mention Laurie Taylor?

Does anyone think that the supposed identification of Laurie Taylor as the proto-Kirk is worth mentioning here? I hadn't heard of it until I saw it mentioned on a BBC programme, which included an interview with LT. Alai 01:49, 11 March 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Barbara Commits Suicide?

The plot summary (as was) ended with the flat claim that the novel ends with Barbara Kirk committing suicide at a party. In fact, the novel does not disclose whether her attempt at suicide was successful (it was modelled on Henry Beamish's similar attempt, which he survived). I have amended the text to refer to an 'attempt' at suicide. 202.2.71.124 (talk) 08:43, 3 September 2010 (UTC)[reply]

An important factor not mentioned?

Nobody notice the ethical discussion in the book - one of the earliest critical examinations of PC? I'm going to have to read the book again, but I seem to remember there's a discussion of suppressing inconvenient research results, and deplatforming their author. Or are you avoiding the elephant in the room, as well? Maelli (talk) 11:05, 9 April 2018 (UTC)[reply]

The novel is a satire on the culture of radical leftism which had become established in UK universities by 1972. This culture embraced no platforming (then a relatively new concept in universities) and identity politics. Bradbury wrote the book while teaching at UEA which obviously forms the basis for the University of Watermouth, though the neighbouring University of Essex in Colchester was more notorious for academic radicalism in the early 70s. --Ef80 (talk) 10:43, 14 September 2019 (UTC)[reply]

Or was The History Man a reactionary attack on a welcome breath of fresh air (of left-wing radicalism) blowing through a stuffy school system? Given that Ray Bradbury was reflecting the fears of the Daily Mail reader, is it any wonder that the BBC turned the book into a TV programme? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 95.149.166.214 (talk) 10:38, 7 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]