John George Weightman
John George Weightman was an English scholar, translator, essayist, and reviewer best known for his work as Professor of French Language and Literature at Westfield College of the University of London, his wartime broadcasting with the BBC French Service, and his lengthy career as a literary critic. He is remembered as a humanist and descriptive critic who emphasized clarity, language, and had a skeptical but engaged approach to modern intellectual fashions.
Early life and education
John George Weightman was born on 29 November 1915 in Black Callerton, Northumberland, as the son of a coal-miner. He attended Queen [Elizabeth High School, Hexham|Hexham Grammar School], where a teacher first sparked his interest in French, and went on to read French at King’s College, Newcastle, graduating in 1936. He spent his years from 1936 to 1939 perfecting his French at the University of Poitiers.Career
BBC and wartime work
In 1939, Weightman joined the BBC French Service as a translator and announcer. During the Second World War, he broadcast to occupied France during World War II|occupied France], at times reading news while General Charles de Gaulle was present on the same program, where his clear French and voice made him valuable in broadcasts that carried hope and coded messages. After the war, he continued with the BBC on reporting and goodwill tours in France before moving into academia.Academic career
Weightman entered academic life in 1950 as a lecturer in French language and literature at the University of London, was promoted to Reader, and in 1963 was appointed Professor of French Language and Literature at Westfield College. He held this position until his retirement.Writing, criticisms, and translations
Alongside his academic work, Weightman was a prolific essayist, reviewer and cultural critic. He wrote for numerous periodicals including The Observer, Times Literary Supplement, Encounter, New Statesman, The [New York Review of Books] and others, and was admired for close, text-based criticism.With his wife Doreen, he produced several careful translations from French, including important works by Claude Lévi-Strauss and others; the couple collaborated on translations of anthropological and literary works.