Edward Palmer (EP) Thompson (1924-1993) was one of the great historians of the past century. His classic texts, such as The Making of the English Working Class and Whigs and Hunters, not only transformed the study of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century English history, but pioneered methods and approaches that continue to influence social, political, and legal historians around the world.

Thompson gave new meaning to the concept of ‘history from below’ and reshaped our thinking about the relationship between law and society. And through his political activism, particularly in the field of nuclear disarmament, his was the voice—passionate, committed, sophisticated, uncompromising—of a generation of radical public intellectuals associated with the new left. In honour of the centenary of his birth, we take this opportunity to celebrate and to interrogate aspects of his life, career, and legacy. From his approach to the rule of law to his prophetic critique of the university, to what extent are we still the beneficiaries of EP Thompson’s body of work?

We expect the event to be of particular interest to scholars of law, politics and history, and encourage HDR students and ECRs with interests in legal history, law and society, peace studies and British history.

All welcome. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Confirmed speakers:

Professor Des Manderson (Centre for Law Arts and Humanities, ANU)
Emeritus Professor Ann Curthoys (University of Sydney)
Professor Martin Krygier (University of NSW)
Emeritus Professor Will Christie (former director, Cross-Cultural Research Centre ANU)
Emeritus Professor Iain McCalman (foundation director, Cross-Cultural Research Centre ANU)
Dr Tom Richardson (University of NSW Canberra)
Professor Margaret Thornton (ANU College of Law)
Dr Rhianne Grieve (School of History, ANU)
Dr Wanshu Cong (ANU College of Law)
Emeritus Professor Paul Pickering (former director, Australian Studies Insitute, ANU)

This event is organised by the Network for Law Arts and Humanities (ANU College of Law) and History Co-Lab (ANU School of History).

Find the program here.