Reginald James White, 1905-1971

Reginald James White (1905-1971) entered Downing College, Cambridge, in 1924 to read history, and gained a First in Part II of the Tripos. He remained in Cambridge after taking his degree, making a living by private coaching and lecturing. In 1930 he published his first novel, The road to the city, which was followed by seven further novels before the Second World War. In 1946 White was appointed to a university lectureship in history and a fellowship at Downing College. He retained both posts until his death, and also served as dean and librarian of his college. During the 1950s and early 1960s he wrote a large number of scripts on individuals and events in British history from the twelfth to the nineteenth centuries for the B.B.C.'s School Broadcasting Department. He published little for almost two decades after 1938, but in 1957 began a productive period which lasted for the rest of his life.