Gowing, Margaret (1921–1998)
Gowing, Margaret (1921–1998)
English historian. Name variations: Margaret Mary Gowing. Born Margaret Mary Elliott, April 26, 1921; died Nov 7, 1998; London School of Economics, BS; m. Donald J.G. Gowing, 1944 (died 1969).
An internationally recognized historian of science, was employed at the Board of Trade (1941–45); worked on a project on the history of war as a Cabinet Office researcher (1945–59); served as historian and archivist at UK Atomic Energy Authority (1959–66) and as reader in contemporary history at University of Kent (1966–72); as Linacre College fellow, served as 1st professor of history of science at Oxford University (1973–86); appointed CBE (1981); retired (1986). Best remembered as author (with Louis Arnold) of Independence and Deterrence (2 vols., 1974), authoritative history of Britain's nuclear policies from 1945 to 1952, which achieved status of a classic.