Eric Christiansen, the irrepressible history lecturer who delighted generations of Oxford students with his eccentric approach to teaching, has passed away at the age of 79. His trademark shock of dark hair, round-rimmed spectacles, and old-fashioned bicycle are etched in the memories of countless former pupils.
Christiansen's tutorials were legendary for their spontaneity – he would often pull artefacts from his cluttered study desk to illustrate historical points or even cook baked beans and chipolatas on a Bunsen burner during a lesson, as New College warden Miles Young recalls. His academic interests spanned centuries and continents, from the Spanish army in the early 19th century to the medieval military campaigns of the Teutonic Knights.
The Northern Crusades, published in 1980, was one of Christiansen's notable works – a significant contribution to the field that showcased his formidable research skills, even as an undergraduate. Born in Cheshunt to Danish parents Christian and Greta, Eric attended Charterhouse School before securing an open scholarship to New College, where he spent his entire academic career.
After serving with the Northamptonshire Regiment during national service, Christiansen achieved first-class honours in 1961 and was appointed a lecturer and college fellow in 1965. He retired in 2002 but continued as an emeritus fellow until his death. He is survived by his wife Sukey Hardie, whom he married in 1981, and her four children from a previous marriage.
Christiansen's obituary will be remembered for its sardonic charm, which adorned the pages of The Spectator and The New York Review of Books – just two publications among many that featured his insightful reviews. His legacy as an educator and scholar is undeniable, but it was his unorthodox approach to teaching that left a lasting impression on generations of Oxford students.