John Habakkuk

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Sir John Hrothgar Habakkuk (May 13, 1915 – November 3, 2002) was an economic historian who served as vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, England.

John Habakkuk was born in Barry, Wales. After graduating from the University of Cambridge, he spent a short time at that institution as a lecturer in history, served in World War II, and before long went to Oxford as a young man of 35, to be Chichele Professor of Economic History at All Souls College. There he spent the rest of his career, including almost two decades (1967–84) as Principal of Jesus College, one of the ancient colleges that make up the university. The college now boasts a rather fine conference room named after him. He was chosen from among the heads of colleges to hold the then part-time position of Vice-Chancellor, 1973–77.

Habakkuk was a Fellow of the British Academy, served as President of the Royal Historical Society, and was knighted for his academic labours. He also served the community as chairman of the Oxfordshire Health Authority, and for a time returned to Wales as president of University College, Swansea. His scholarly works include "Marriage, Debt, and the Estates System: English Landownership, 1650–1950" and "American and British Technology in the Nineteenth Century".