PROFESSOR MICHAEL WILLIAMS 1935–2009

摘要

Professor Michael Williams died at Oxford, on 26 October 2009, aged 74. He is remembered for his work in historical geography and environmental history, which ranged in scale from the regional to the global, for his superb editing skills, and for his excellence as a teacher. Born in Swansea on 24 June 1935,the son of Benjamin Williams and Ethel (nee Marshell), he attended secondary school in the city, first at Emmanuel Grammar School and then at Dynevor Grammar School. In 1953, he entered University College Swansea, University of Wales, where William Balchin was professor of geography. Michael graduated 3 years later with a first class BA. In 1955,he married Eleanore Lerch, always known as Lore.Between 1957 and 1960 he was a demonstrator in his home department and undertook doctoral research on a part-time basis, focusing on the draining of the Somerset Levels, just across the Bristol Channel. In 1960,he completed his doctorate, which was supervised by John Oliver and benefited from additional advice from Stuart Cousens. Although Balchin was not involved directly in supervision, there can be no doubt that his experience researching the historical geography of Cornwall was influential. Also in 1960, Michael moved to St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he gained his Diploma in Education.