Origins & Early Life

Montague Francis Ashley-Montagu (born Israel Ehrenberg; June 28, 1905 – November 26, 1999) was a British-American anthropologist who popularized the study of topics such as race and gender and their relation to politics and development. He was the rapporteur, in 1950, for the UNESCO "statement on race". As a young man he changed his name from Ehrenberg to "Montague Francis Ashley-Montagu". After relocating to the United States he used the name "Ashley Montagu".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Montagu, who became a naturalized American citizen in 1940, taught and lectured at Harvard, Princeton, Rutgers, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and New York University. Forced out of his Rutgers position after the McCarthy hearings, he repositioned himself as a public intellectual in the 1950s and 1960s, appearing regularly on television shows and writing for magazines and newspapers. He authored over 60 books throughout his lifetime. In 1995, the American Humanist Association named him the Humanist of the Year. Montagu was born Israel Ehrenberg on June 28, 1905, in London, England.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He grew up in London's East End. He remembered often being subjected to antisemitic abuse when he ventured...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alessandro Nivola — Shared historical date (06-28 · Born) (1972): Versatile American actor known for film and stage work, building a notable career.
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• Adam Mickiewicz — Shared historical date (11-26 · Died) (1855): National Poet of Poland, Romantic master, and leading voice of Slavic literature.
• Adolfo Pérez Esquivel — Shared historical date (11-26 · Born) (1931): Argentine activist and Nobel Peace laureate for human rights defense.
• 1905 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1905
• June 28 (06-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 28
• 1999 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1999
• November 26 (11-26) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 26