Lloyd Robson

Geoffrey Stilwell, Lloyd Robson and Shirley Eldershaw at the launch of A History of Tasmania, 1983
(AOT, PH30/1/9400)

Leslie Lloyd Robson (1931–90), historian, grew up on the north coast of Tasmania and was educated at Devonport High School, the University of Tasmania and the Australian National University. From 1964 until retirement he worked at the University of Melbourne. He pioneered techniques of quantitative history in studies of The convict settlers of Australia (1965) and The first AIF (1970), and later turned to Tasmanian history in a large-scale narrative of great moral force, which was published in two volumes. The final volume appeared the year after he died, and a summary Short history of Tasmania was revised by Michael Roe in 1997. Lloyd Robson was a memorable teacher and staunch friend of great feeling; his presence could light up a room.

Stuart Macintyre