Socialist Historiography and the Philosophy of ‘Ray Evans’ HAPI Past Series

https://www.academia.edu/164902737/Socialist_Historiography_and_the_Philosophy_of_Ray_Evans_HAPI_Past_Series

Dr Neville Buch ABN: 86703686642

Abstract

This essay examines the historiographical legacy of Raymond Evans, a transformative figure within the University of Queensland’s School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry (HAPI). Evans’ career, spanning from the 1960s to his retirement as Associate Professor in 2002, is defined by a radical departure from the celebratory and triumphalist narratives that dominated mid-century Queensland history. By pioneering research into frontier conflict, social control, and marginalized identities, Evans uncovered a “hidden Queensland” characterized by the triad of “exclusion, exploitation and extermination”. His methodology integrates exhaustive archival research with a thematic focus on race, class, and gender, moving historical inquiry toward a state of social accountability and critical self-reflection. Through foundational texts like A History of Queensland and Loyalty and Disloyalty, Evans redefined the state’s narrative as one of enduring conflict and resistance rather than simple progress.

Series Abstract: For the past few years, I have been researching and writing about the defuncted Department of History, University of Queensland, 1911-2000. It will take a few more years before a tome on the subject may be published. In the meantime, it has occurred to me to write up on the past academics of what is now called the school of “Historical and Philosophy Inquiry”. It is certainly appropriate for myself as my career at UQ began in this direction of interdisciplinary thought. The series publishes the articles in not particular order, and selection is based on the availability of materials.

PDF Link: Raymond Evans. Socialist Historiography and the Philosophy of ‘Ray Evans’

Featured Image: Raymond Evans

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Neville Buch

Professional Historian at Professional Historians Association (Queensland) Inc.

Neville Buch (Pronounced Book) Ph.D. is a certified member of the Professional Historians Association (Queensland). Since 2010 he has operated a sole trade business in history consultancy. He was a Q ANZAC 100 Fellow 2014-2015 at the State Library of Queensland. Dr Buch was the PHA (Qld) e-Bulletin, the monthly state association’s electronic publication, and was a member of its Management Committee. He is the Managing Director of the Brisbane Southside History Network.

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