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Press release
University of Buckingham Lecture:
David Urch (Classics master at Bury Lawn School) and
Professor John Clarke (Professor of History and Secretary to Council at the University of Buckingham)
Writing Crescent and Delta
Thursday 21 August 2008
Crescent and Delta written by David Urch, and edited by John Clarke, surveys the history of the area that is now Bangladesh from earliest times to the present, though providing more detail on events since the creation of Pakistan in 1947. The title reflects the two dominant influences that have shaped the life and culture of Bangladesh, namely the Crescent (Islam) and the Delta (the great fact of geography). While histories of Bangladesh have been produced in India, Pakistan and in Bangladesh itself, all have been characterised by highly controversial political and other agendas. This is the first comprehensive history of Bangladesh to be written by an Englishman, though one who has spent much of his life in Islamic countries.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the British Raj in India. There have been many TV programmes about this, but these concentrated almost exclusively on India and West Pakistan. Virtually nothing was said about East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This lecture will explain the importance of the subject of the book and identify some of the problems, decisions and choices that David and John faced when writing it.
The talk will take place in the Ian Fairbairn Lecture Hall, Chandos Road Building starting at 18:30. As with other talks, admission to the lecture is free and open to all but, donations to UBSOS (University of Buckingham Supporting Overseas Schooling) are gratefully received. There will also be time after the lecture to meet and talk to Mr David Urch and Professor John Clarke with drinks in the foyer.
For more information, please contact the Publicity Office on +44 (0)1280 820213, alternatively you can email publicity@buckingham.ac.uk.See also: