Davis, a member of the Washington University faculty since 1969, was a renowned scholar and author who dedicated his career to the study of British political history in the 19th century.
“Richard was one of the world’s finest historians of modern Britain for more than 40 years,” said longtime friend Timothy Parsons, PhD, professor of history. “He was deeply concerned about the welfare of students, and took great satisfaction in seeing his graduate students land good jobs in the field. He was generous to a fault and always willing to help junior faculty.”
“More than just an extraordinary scholar, he was a model of what it takes to be a trusted colleague, mentor and friend,” Parsons said.
Born in Somers, Conn., Davis studied history at Amherst College, Christ’s College Cambridge and Columbia University, from which he earned his PhD in 1963. He began his teaching career at the University of Rhode Island and the University of California, Riverside, where he served as assistant professor of history from 1964-69.
At Washington University, he was chair of the history department from 1974-77 and directed the Center for the History of Freedom from 1989-2003, presiding over and contributing to the publication of 15 volumes chronicling the evolution of freedom in the West during the modern era. A gifted and beloved teacher, he was honored as a “favorite faculty member” by students of the class of 1971.
Davis described the focus of his research as “the play of power and influence and how they are mobilized to get things done.” He wrote and edited dozens of books and articles, including important scholarship on the lives and careers of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, the English Rothschilds and the Duke of Wellington. His work contributed significantly to current understanding of these figures and the institutions in which they wielded power.
Davis is survived by Elisabeth, his wife of 50 years; two sons, Benjamin (Helen) Davis of Austin, Texas, and Matthew (Allison) Davis of St Louis; two grandchildren; and the extended Davis, Sargent and Coles families in the United States and England.
Contributions in Davis’ memory may be made to SSM Health Hospice and Home Health Foundation or ro KWMU St. Louis Public Radio.
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