John Keay

John Keay
Born1941
Barnstaple, Devon, England
EducationOxford University
Occupation(s)Writer and historian
Known forHistories of colonial Asia
Spouse(s)Julia Keay (died 2011)
Amanda Douglas (2014–present)
RelativesAnna Keay, Humphrey Atkins, Simon Thurley

John Stanley Melville Keay FRGS (born 1941) is a British historian, journalist, radio presenter and lecturer specialising in popular histories of India, the Far East and China, often with a particular focus on their colonisation and exploration by Europeans. In particular, he is widely seen as a pre-eminent historian of British India.[citation needed] He is known both for stylistic flair and meticulous research into archival primary sources, including centuries-old unpublished sources.[1][failed verification]

The author of some twenty-five books, he also writes regularly for a number of prominent publications in Britain and Asia. He began his career with The Economist. He has received several major honours including the Sir Percy Sykes Memorial Medal. In 2019, he received an honorary doctorate, presented by Princess Anne, from the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland.[2][3]

The Economist has called him "a gifted non-academic historian", the Yorkshire Post has called him "one of our most outstanding historians", The Independent has called his writing "exquisite" and The Guardian has described his historical analysis as "forensic" and his writing as "restrained yet powerful". He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Keay lives in both Edinburgh and in Argyll in the West Highlands of Scotland and travels widely.[4][5][3]

  1. ^ "Keay, John 1941- (John Stanley Melville Keay)". Contemporary Authors, New Revision Series. Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  2. ^ "Media - News - Top writers presented with honorary degrees - University of the Highlands and Islands". 26 January 2020. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020.
  3. ^ a b Buchan, Jamie (4 October 2019). "IN PICTURES: Princess Anne joins Perth UHI graduates on 'town and gown' walk".
  4. ^ "From the start". The Economist. 13 July 2000. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  5. ^ Preston, Peter (12 July 2008). "Review: China: A History by John Keay". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 November 2018.