Sebastian BLACK Obituary

Yes I remember Mr Blacks lectures vividly. Him talking about Marlowe was very scary, all his lectures were so deep. And paizley, you've gotta love his paizley shirts. The beard too was a distinguishing feature, long and gray even in the late 70's.
I didnt know you other than as a lecturer in English lit but you left a permanent vision for me that guides my life-long love of literature and meaning.

Sometime in the late 80's, I was one of Sebastian's many enthralled minions from the Twentieth Century Lit class. He never gave lectures. He performed them, crackling with life and energy, and often ending with the refrain, "Support your local theatre." Quite an inspiring man.

I too remember Sebastian from undergraduate days in Leeds in the 60s. I recall his modesty, his erudition, his humour and hospitality, and the extraordinary (for a student) selection of cheeses his home offered the visitor. I am sorry we never managed to meet again after that time.

Sebastian and I were undergraduates together in Leeds. A brilliant mind and a charismatic presence I have strong and warm recollections of him. I wish our paths had crossed in the past 50 years and I always thought they would. Sadly no longer.
Jeffrey Wainwright