Angus Alexander Edmonds

Educator Angus Alexander Edmonds talks William Golding, the value of participating in clubs and societies, and how living with others is an education in itself.

Your time at the University

I thoroughly enjoyed my lectures in English Literature, Moral Philosophy, and British History, and the discussions - putting the world to rights - in the common room at the foot of the newly built David Hume Tower. I also enjoyed the debates in the Union, and the Friday night bashes, dancing wildly to The Athenians. I joined the Nat Club in Potterrow and had some great years there, serving as Secretary and Debates Rep. I was also elected to serve on the Union’s Committee of Management.

My favourite lecturer was Dr Ian Gregor. Along with his colleague, Mark Kinkead-Weekes, he was writing a book on William Golding, and he organised special tutorials in his beautiful New Town apartment to discuss Golding’s novels. Years after graduating, I visited the University of Kent, and came across Professor Gregor on his very last day at the university! We talked about Edinburgh and I was able to thank him for opening my eyes to the wonderful world of literary criticism.

I have very fond memories of my University days - ‘Salad Days’ as we used to say. I gained some good results, and better, a truly rounded education. Thank you, Edinburgh.

I believe one of the great learning experiences is living with others - you’ll learn to live and let live.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

I became a teacher after studying at Moray House, and taught in Hawick and Dundee before emigrating to Australia. I was Head of Emmanuel College at the University of Queensland for 21 years, on one occasion playing host to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea.

I retired in 2004 and received the Medal of Order of Australia for services to education.

I have been an amateur historian for many years. My particular interest is the Rev Dr John Dunmore Lang DD, a graduate of the University of Glasgow, who became a radical politician and promoted an independent republican Australia.

As for current projects, I am about to publish a historical novel on Robert Burns.

Alumni wisdom

Make the most of your time at university, both in your chosen discipline and also through involvement in the clubs and societies.

I believe one of the great learning experiences is living with others -you’ll learn to live and let live, as well as finding the standards you appreciate and want to uphold.