Niall Ferguson is a Scottish-American historian known for his work on international history, economic history, financial history, and the history of the British Empire and American imperialism. Ferguson was the inspiration for Alan Bennett’s play The History Boys, particularly the character of Irwin, a history teacher who urges his pupils to find a counterintuitive angle and goes on to become a television historian. Bennett’s character “Irwin” gives the impression that an entire career can be built on the trick of contrariness.
In 2018, Ferguson became naturalized as a US citizen. This decision caused some controversy, with some arguing that Ferguson’s positive views on the British Empire are at odds with his new country’s values and history. He has written several books and presented numerous television documentary series. While Ferguson’s professional achievements are well-known, his personal life has also been a topic of interest for many. In this article, we will take a closer look at Ferguson’s personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife.
Who Is Niall Ferguson’s Wife?
Niall Ferguson has been married twice. He is currently married to Hirsi Ali. However, in 1994, Niall Ferguson married journalist Sue Douglas, whom he met in 1987 when she was his editor at The Sunday Times. The couple had three children together, Felix, Freya, and Lachlan. However, in February 2010, Ferguson and Douglas separated, and he began dating Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
Ferguson’s relationship with Hirsi Ali received significant media attention, and the couple faced criticism and scrutiny from the press. Despite this, Ferguson and Hirsi Ali tied the knot on September 10, 2011. In December of the same year, Hirsi Ali gave birth to their son Thomas.
In his book Civilization, Ferguson dedicated the book to Hirsi Ali, calling her “Ayaan.” He spoke about his love for Hirsi Ali in an interview with The Guardian, saying that she understood better than anyone he knew what Western civilization meant and what it still had to offer the world.
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Ferguson Commented On Personal Life And Work-Life Balance
Ferguson has commented on how his self-confessed workaholism has placed strains on his personal relationships in the past. He said that his work commitments, particularly making TV programs and teaching at Harvard, took him away from his children too much, and he regrets not spending more time with them during their formative years. In hindsight, Ferguson believes that he would have said no to several things that he said yes to earlier in his career.
In an interview, Ferguson spoke about his relationship with the left, saying that they love being provoked by him. He believes that it makes them feel better about their lives to think that he is a reactionary, which is a substitute for thought. Ferguson has faced criticism for his positive views on the British Empire, which some argue glorify a dark period in history.
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Niall Ferguson is a well-known historian with a successful career in academia and media. However, his personal life has also been a topic of interest for many, particularly his relationships with his wives and his work-life balance. While Ferguson’s positive views on the British Empire and his decision to become a US citizen have drawn criticism, his work continues to be influential in the field of history. As he continues to write and speak on topics ranging from economic history to American imperialism, it remains to be seen what other personal and professional milestones he will achieve in the future.