A WORLD-leading historian described as having a “wonderfully humane and enlightening presence” at Essex University has died.

Emeritus professor Hugh Brogan, 83, was a well-known United States historian and respected member of the university community.

Prof Brogan, who lived in Wivenhoe, spent his life delving into the depths of the history of the United States and had written biographies on John F Kennedy and children’s writer Arthur Ransome.

He also wrote the best-selling book Longman History of the United States.

Prof Brogan started teaching at Essex University in 1974 where he lectured history for 24 years before retiring in 1998 to become a research professor.

He served as the department of history’s chairman between 1987 to 1990.

In 2007, Prof Brogan received an honorary degree from the university.

Essex University’s vice-chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: “Hugh was an eminent member of our university community and a highly respected expert on the history of the United States. It was a privilege for us he chose to make Essex his intellectual home.”

After retiring from full-time teaching, Prof Brogan completed his life’s major work, his biography on the French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville.

He was working on a new book at the time of his death.

Essex University professor Steve Smith said: “He has been a wonderfully humane and enlightening presence, much-loved and esteemed by students and colleagues alike.

“He was an outstanding lecturer, possibly helped by the fact that in his youth he had a passion for acting and hundreds, if not thousands, of students have discovered the joy of history through his teaching.”

Mr Smith said Prof Brogan immensely valued his role as a lecturer.

Dr Jeremy Krikler, from the department of history, said: “The department mourns the passing of one of its truly original and highly-distinguished colleagues.

“He greatly expanded our reach through being one of the best-selling authors in the university’s history.

“His books, written with an astonishingly-fluent and elegant prose, have collectively sold hundreds of thousands of copies.

“We shall all miss his presence, good humour, warmth and wisdom.”