Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts
Name	Andrew Roberts
Birth date	1963
Birth place	Barnet, London
Nationality	United Kingdom
Occupation	Historian, Author
Alma mater	Balliol College, Oxford, Earlsfield School
Notable works	Napoleon: A Life, Churchill: Walking with Destiny

Andrew Roberts is a British historian and biographer known for narrative histories and political biographies focusing on figures such as Napoleon, Winston Churchill, and George III. He has written for major newspapers and appeared frequently on television and at public lectures, blending archival research with contemporary commentary. His works often engage debates around leadership, empire, and European conflicts from the French Revolution through the 20th century.

Early life and education

Born in Barnet, London in 1963, he was educated at Earlsfield School and later attended Eton College. He read history at Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied under prominent tutors associated with Oxford University's history faculty. During his formative years he developed interests in the Napoleonic Wars, the American War of Independence, and the political history of Victorian era Britain.

Academic and writing career

He began his career contributing reviews and articles to publications such as The Spectator, The Daily Telegraph, and The Sunday Times, and has been a fellow of institutions including All Souls College, Oxford. His scholarly work combines primary-source archival research with accessible narrative history, engaging archives such as the National Archives (United Kingdom), the British Library, and collections related to Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill. He has lectured at venues including Chatham House, the London School of Economics, and the National Army Museum and has served on judging panels for literary prizes like the Wolfson History Prize.

Major works and themes

His bibliography includes biographies and studies such as Napoleon: A Life, a book tracing the career of Napoleon Bonaparte through campaigns like the Battle of Waterloo; a comprehensive biography of Winston Churchill entitled Churchill: Walking with Destiny; and studies of monarchs such as George III. Recurring themes in his work are leadership during crisis, the impact of military campaigns such as the Peninsular War on European politics, and the role of personalities in events like the Congress of Vienna and the Crimean War. He has also edited collections of correspondence and speeches related to figures including Lord Salisbury and Benjamin Disraeli.

Public activities and media appearances

He has appeared on BBC Television and Channel 4 documentaries discussing subjects from Napoleon to World War II and has been a guest on programs for LBC and Classic FM. He contributes opinion pieces to outlets such as The Times and has participated in panels at institutions including the Royal United Services Institute and the Henry Jackson Society. Roberts has delivered lectures at the Canning House and at international festivals such as the Hay Festival and the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Awards and honours

His work has received recognition including shortlistings and awards from bodies such as the Samuel Johnson Prize and the British Book Awards. He has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to history and biography and holds honorary degrees from universities including University of Exeter and University of Buckingham. He has also been elected to fellowships in learned societies such as the Royal Historical Society.

Personal life and views

He resides in London and is married with children. His public commentary has addressed issues including European Union affairs, British conservatism, and debates over historical memory concerning the British Empire and figures like Winston Churchill. He has been an active participant in public discussions about curriculum and commemorations related to British and European history.

Category:British historians Category:Biographers Category:Alumni of Balliol College, Oxford