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David Latchman - Interview

Professor David Latchman, CBE, is a leading UK academic and author of a number of science titles, currently holding the position of Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck, University of London. As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Latchman is the chief academic and administrative officer, and has been responsible for the development of the university since his appointment in 2003.  Professor Latchman serves as Chairman of the trustees of the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, an organisation dedicated the empowerment of the Jewish community through education, employment, medical advancement, and welfare. He also serves as a trustee of the Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Philanthropic Foundation, as well as a number of other committees centred around education, and scientific and medical research in the UK and Israel. This interview is for National Book Lovers' Day (August 9th).

Why should books be important to us?

Books have always been a big part of my life, and for many reasons. My love for them started when I was young, I remember frequently stopping at WH Smiths on my way home from school and buying books. 

As for why they are so important though. For me, it is the huge amount of knowledge you can gain from reading that draws me to books. Literature helps to take you to new places and think in different ways. As a lover of science, education and Anglo-Judaica, I read a wide range of literature in these sections and am always captivated by the ways authors share a story, whether they are non-fiction or fiction. 

What was the first book you can remember being excited by? 

The first scientific book to inspire me was Physiological Approach to the Lower Animals by James Ramsey. This opened by my eyes to the study of animals, other than vertebrates. When I applied to Cambridge University, I chose Queens’ College as I knew Ramsey was a Fellow there. When I went to the interview, I was disappointed not to meet him, and assumed that he just did not have the time to interview applicants. It was only when I eventually arrived that I discovered he had retired several years earlier! As it turned out, I had chosen the right college but for the wrong reason.

 Macabre note: Years later, I read that Ramsey and his wife had been found dead when a sleeper train from Scotland arrived in London. They had committed suicide to avoid being a burden on their family…

Could you tell us one each of your favourite fiction and non-fiction titles (and why)? 

I would say my favourite non-fiction is the first book I ever bought in my Anglo-Judaica collection. This was the book about 19th century Jewish philanthropist, Sir Moses Montefiore. I bought this for £1, and I am still extremely pleased that it is part of my collection. 

My favourite fiction would have to be Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. This book shows us a world dominated by genetic engineering and highlights not only its potential, but also the dangers it could bring. It’s a real indication of why we should use technology properly.

You have mostly written textbooks - would you like to write something for the general public, and if so what?

Outside of my textbooks, I have worked on the United Synagogue’s 150 Years of Service, which is an achievement I am particularly proud of. This book features 150 Orders of Service – an order of service is used in a synagogue service and includes the prayers to be said at the time -  spanning from 1870 to 2020. It showcases the Jewish community’s involvement in English society and I am so pleased it can provide people with an insight into these years. Now, I regularly write a blog for the Times of Israel, looking at different pieces within my Anglo-Judaica, as well as working on the next book around the subject.

Alongside this, I have also lectured widely to non-specialist groups on the topic of ‘ Genetic Engineering: Dream or Eugenic nightmare’, and this work has also been published as a pamphlet.

Do you have any books in the pipeline?

Yes, I do. I’m working on the follow up of the United Synagogue book, which will be called Ten Chief Rabbis. I’m hoping this will be available by the end of the year. As for my science books, I am about to have my third edition of Gene Control commissioned.

Interview by Brian Clegg - See all of Brian's online articles or subscribe to a weekly digest free here

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