David N. Dilks, FRHistS, FRSL (born 17 March 1938) is a British historian and former professor of International History at the University of Leeds.

Early life and education

Dilks was born in Foleshill, a suburb of Coventry, and attended The Royal Grammar School Worcester before winning a scholarship to Hertford College, Oxford, to read history.

Academic career

Dilks remained in Oxford to do research at St Antony's College before becoming research assistant to Anthony Eden and Harold Macmillan. He was the official biographer of the latter as well as producing a two-volume biography of the viceroy of India, George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, and an incomplete biography of Neville Chamberlain. Dilks was Professor of International History at the University of Leeds from 1970 to 1991. In 1977 he became a Visiting Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. Professor Dilks became Vice Chancellor of the University of Hull in 1991, serving until 1999.

Selected works