Name Cyril Bibby | ||
Died 1987, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Books The art of the limerick, The Human Body, Scientist extraordinary, Biology of mankind Education Queens' College, Cambridge, University of London | ||
Cyril Bibby (b. Liverpool, 1 May 1914 as Harold Cyril Bibby; d. Edinburgh 20 June 1987) was a biologist and educator. He was also one of the first sexologists.
Contents
Early life, family, etc.
Bibby was the third of eight children and lived in Aigburth, Liverpool. He was educated at Sudley Road School, Liverpool, Liverpool Collegiate School and Queens' College, Cambridge (BA 1935, MA 1939). He was active in the CU Socialist Society and the Union Society.
In 1936 he married Frances (Florence Mabel) Hirst (Girton 1932-1935, b.1914, d.1993); they had two sons and two daughters.
Career
He was an early member of the Council of Christians and Jews: he prided himself on being the only such member who was "neither a Christian nor a Jew" (he was an atheist). [5]
In 1958-59 he was the prospective Labour Party candidate in Barnet opposing Reginald Maudling (but resigned on moving to Hull in September 1959, just before the election was announced).
He is known for his work on education, T.H. Huxley, and limericks. Indeed, David Rubinstein has said "If Huxley was Darwin's bulldog, then Cyril Bibby was Huxley's bulldog".
Bibby gained an MSc at the University of Liverpool in 1940 for research on Europe in Quaternary times, and a PhD at the University of London in 1955 for a thesis on T.H. Huxley. He wrote books and articles on Huxley, and on human biology, especially in the fields of health and sex education, and later on limericks.
The Bibby papers are housed at Cambridge University Library.[6]
Summary in "Radio Who's Who?"
BIBBY, CYRIL
Talks and Discussions, b. Liverpool, 1st May, 1914. Broadcasts on science, education and family relationships. Address: 69, Manor Road, Chipping Barnet, Herts. Third child of eight. Educated elementary school, secondary school (scholarship) and university. Graduate of Cambridge and Liverpool. Teacher for several years. Did biological research in England and Iceland. Author of several works on biology and education. Formerly Education Officer to the Central Council for Health Education; now Senior Lecturer at the College of St. Mark and St. John, Chelsea. Recent programmes : Chairman of " To Start You Talking " ; took part in " Family Life " series, " Science Magazine," etc.
Hobbies: Camping, household repairs and decorating; dislikes ball games but used to be long distance runner.