John Hirst, Australian historian, Died at 73

John Bradley Hirst was born on July 9, 1942, and died on February 5, 2016.

He was an Australian historian and commentator.

John has been described as a “historian, public intellectual, and active citizen”.

He finished his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Adelaide.

And, was appointed to the staff of the History Department at La Trobe University, Melbourne in 1968, John was subsequently head of department and Reader in History.

He retired in 2006 and held an appointment as an Emeritus Scholar at La Trobe until his death.

John Hirst had a distinguished career “in teaching, supervision and research.

He developed new subjects and methodologies to teach them.

Also, Australian history was his pioneering subject designed to inform students about Australia’s European cultural heritage.”

Published as “The Shortest History of Europe” and has been translated into nine languages (Swedish, Greek, Chinese, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish and Korean).

John Hirst was seconded to the University of Melbourne to edit Historical Studies, Australia’s leading historical journal, from 1977 to 1980.

John Bradley Hirst passed away at 73 yrs old.