It is with great sadness that I report the death of Professor James Walston of the American University of Rome. He passed away on May 12th 2014.
Professor Walston was a true gentlemen with a great sense of humour, and he generously shared his extensive knowledge of Italy’s complex political system with me more on more than one occasion. James Walston was my go-to person when I couldn’t fathom out some aspect of Italy’s political system and he always had time for me.
I spoke to James Walston only last month, and after I asked him why he had not managed to update his informative blog on Italian politics, he admitted he was not well, but I really had no idea that he would be leaving this earth so soon.
Stop reading, start speaking
Stop translating in your head and start speaking Italian for real with the only audio course that prompt you to speak.
Educated at Cambridge University and later at Rome’s La Sapienza university, James Walston was an expert on Italian politics. His insightful articles appeared in newspapers and on websites around the world. In 2010, he kindly agreed to be interviewed by myself for Italy Chronicles. The interview can be read here: A Chat about Italy with Professor James Walston
James Walston was chair of the American University of Rome’s Department of International Relations and had established the Center for Research on Racism in Italy.
The American University of Rome has scheduled Memorial to James Walston for May 22 at 11:00 am in the AUR Garden in Rome. The memorial will be open to the public.
Goodbye James. Many thanks for your patience and for all your help. I’ll miss you sir.
