20th December 2002

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Derry Beyond the Walls, the first book by John Hume MP, was officially launched at the Magee campus last night.

The publication - an economic and social history of Derry from 1825 to 1850 - was written in 1964 as Hume’s masters thesis.

The original manuscript, held at the Magee library, became a popular source for students and historians and was constantly borrowed in the last 38 years.

“I owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr Billy Kelly and Professor Robert Gavin at Magee. They both encouraged me to have the manuscript published,” Mr Hume said.

“Dr Kelly got it reprinted. Professor Gavin said it was borrowed so much that I should publish it and when I said I would, they got the publisher which is the Ulster Historical Foundation.”

The former SDLP leader wrote the thesis while teaching french and history at his old school, St Columb’s College. As a keen historian, he drew on every piece of published work covering the period as source material.

As a Derry man, John Hume says he is pleased that his history of the city in its formative years should be published.

Derry Beyond the Walls will be available in all major bookstores priced £10. John Hume will also sign copies at Belfast Central Library today at 10.30am.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk