Famous American Historians

Stephen Jay Gould was an influential American paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and historian of science. He taught at Harvard University and worked at the American Museum of Natural History. Gould made significant contributions to evolutionary biology with the theory of punctuated equilibrium. His empirical research focused on land snail genera and evolutionary developmental biology. Gould was known for his essays and books on popular science. He opposed strict selectionism, campaigned against creationism, and advocated for the separation of science and religion.

Joseph Medicine Crow was a prominent Native American writer, historian, and war chief of the Crow Tribe. His influential writings on Native American history and reservation culture are widely regarded as seminal works. He gained recognition for his lectures and writings on the Battle of the Little Bighorn of 1876. As a World War II veteran, he served as a scout in the U.S. Army's 103rd Infantry Division, earning prestigious awards such as the Bronze Star Medal and the Légion d'honneur. He was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for his remarkable service. Medicine Crow was a key figure in the Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth, serving as the last war chief of the Crow Tribe and the final Plains Indian war chief.

Shelby Foote was an American writer, historian, and journalist, primarily known for his authorship of The Civil War: A Narrative, a three-volume history of the American Civil War. His work reflected the transition from the agrarian planter system of the Old South to the Civil Rights era of the New South. Foote gained widespread recognition after his appearance in Ken Burns's PBS documentary The Civil War in 1990. He wrote all his works by hand with a nib pen, later transcribing them into typewritten copies. Although well-received during his lifetime, his work has faced criticism from professional historians and academics in the 21st century.

David McCullough was a renowned American popular historian known for his award-winning literary works and documentaries. With two Pulitzer Prizes and National Book Awards under his belt, he was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. McCullough's diverse bibliography includes bestsellers on historical figures like Harry S. Truman, John Adams, and Theodore Roosevelt, as well as iconic American structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal. His contributions extended to narrating documentaries like The Civil War and hosting PBS's American Experience, solidifying his legacy in American historical storytelling.

Robert Jolin Osborne was an American film historian, author, and actor known for his role as the primary television host on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) for over two decades. Before TCM, he hosted shows on The Movie Channel and American Movie Classics (AMC). Osborne also worked as a news columnist for The Hollywood Reporter and authored the official history of the Academy Awards. His contributions to the film industry through hosting, writing, and historical research made him a respected figure in the world of cinema.

Victor Davis Hanson is a prominent American classicist, military historian, and conservative political commentator. He is known for his insightful commentary on modern and ancient warfare as well as contemporary politics, contributing to various reputable publications such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and National Review. Hanson holds the prestigious position of professor emeritus of Classics at California State University, Fresno, and serves as the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow in classics and military history at the Hoover Institution. Additionally, he has been recognized for his contributions with awards and high-level appointments.

Carter Godwin Woodson was an American historian, author, journalist, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). He was a pioneering scholar in the study of African diaspora and African-American history. Woodson founded The Journal of Negro History and initiated "Negro History Week," which later evolved into Black History Month. He was instrumental in promoting Afrocentrism and advocating for the inclusion of African Americans in historical scholarship. Woodson's academic achievements include being the second African American to earn a PhD in history from Harvard University. Throughout his career, he focused on advancing scholarship in black history and supporting black historians.

Henry Cabot Lodge was an influential American politician, historian, lawyer, and statesman from Massachusetts. A prominent member of the Republican Party, he served in the United States Senate for over three decades. Lodge was best known for his significant impact on foreign policy, particularly his successful efforts to prevent the United States from joining the League of Nations through the Lodge reservations. He was also a key figure in advocating for voting rights for African Americans, supporting immigration restrictions, and influencing American involvement in major international conflicts like the Spanish-American War and World War I. Lodge's leadership in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and as a key opposition figure to Wilson's Treaty of Versailles cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in shaping American foreign policy in the early 20th century.

Studs Terkel was an accomplished American writer, historian, actor, and broadcaster. His notable achievements include winning the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1985 for his work "The Good War." He is best known for his oral histories that captured the stories of ordinary Americans. Terkel also hosted a popular and long-running radio show in Chicago, where he engaged with a wide range of topics and guests. His professional life was dedicated to documenting and sharing the voices and experiences of everyday people.

William James Durant was an influential American historian and philosopher, renowned for his comprehensive work, The Story of Civilization, covering the histories of Eastern and Western civilizations. Through collaboration with his wife, Ariel Durant, he crafted this monumental 11-volume series from 1935 to 1975. Prior to this, he gained recognition for his impactful book, The Story of Philosophy, which made philosophy more accessible to a wider audience. Durant's vision was to synthesize and humanize historical knowledge, aiming to make it relevant and applicable to contemporary society, ultimately earning him prestigious accolades like the Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Stephen E. Ambrose was an accomplished American historian, academic, and author known for his insightful biographies of U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. As a respected professor of history at the University of New Orleans, Ambrose shared his passion for American history with students for many years. His bestselling volumes of popular history captivated readers and brought historical events to life through engaging storytelling. Ambrose's work continues to be celebrated for its thorough research, vivid narratives, and significant contributions to the field of American history.

Timothy D. Snyder is a prominent American historian renowned for his expertise in Central and Eastern European history, the Soviet Union, and the Holocaust. He holds the prestigious Richard C. Levin Professor of History position at Yale University and is a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna. Snyder is a prolific author of several acclaimed books, with notable works like "Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin" and "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century" being best-sellers. He also contributes to the field through his involvement in institutions like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Murray Bookchin was an influential American social theorist, author, historian, and political philosopher known for his pioneering work in the environmental movement. Drawing inspiration from Hegel, Marx, and Kropotkin, he developed the theory of social ecology and urban planning within anarchist, libertarian socialist, and ecological frameworks. He authored numerous impactful books on politics, philosophy, history, urban affairs, and social ecology. Bookchin later distanced himself from traditional anarchism and established his own libertarian socialist ideology known as "communalism" to further advance his ideas of social decentralization and democratic principles.

John Hope Franklin was a prominent American historian known for his seminal work From Slavery to Freedom, which has sold over three million copies. He held leadership positions in several prestigious organizations, including Phi Beta Kappa and the American Historical Association. Franklin earned his doctorate from Harvard University and taught at institutions such as Howard University, Brooklyn College, the University of Chicago, and Duke University. Throughout his career, he was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995.

Barbara Wertheim Tuchman was an American historian, journalist, and author renowned for her engaging works of popular history. She was a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, celebrated for her books "The Guns of August," a detailed account of the lead-up to World War I, and "Stilwell and the American Experience in China," a biography of General Joseph Stilwell. Tuchman's writing style captivated readers with its insightful exploration of historical events, making her a respected figure in the field of historical literature.

Howard Zinn was an American historian, playwright, philosopher, and socialist intellectual. He served as the chair of the history and social sciences department at Spelman College and was a political science professor at Boston University. Zinn authored over 20 books, notably including the influential A People's History of the United States. He described himself as an anarchist and socialist, focusing his work on civil rights, anti-war movements, and U.S. labor history. Zinn's legacy includes his memoir and a documentary about his life and contributions.

Archibald Gracie IV was a multifaceted professional known for his roles as a writer, soldier, amateur historian, and real estate investor. He gained widespread recognition for his survival of the Titanic disaster, having climbed aboard an overturned collapsible lifeboat. Gracie's firsthand experience inspired him to write a popular book about the sinking of the Titanic. Tragically, he never fully recovered from the traumatic event and passed away less than eight months later, making him the first adult survivor to die following the tragedy.

Lola Van Wagenen is an American historian and activist known for her work in promoting history education. In 1970, she co-founded Consumer Action Now (CAN), a non-profit educational organization aimed at empowering consumers. Later, in 1995, she co-founded Clio Visualizing History, Inc., which evolved into a not-for-profit organization providing educational films and online history exhibits and resources. Through her initiatives, Lola has demonstrated a commitment to educating others and raising awareness about important historical issues.

Jon Meacham is an accomplished American writer, reviewer, historian, and presidential biographer. He currently serves as the Canon Historian of the Washington National Cathedral. With a background as an executive editor and executive vice president at Random House, Meacham is a renowned author, contributing writer for The New York Times Book Review, and contributing editor for Time magazine. He has also served as the editor-in-chief of Newsweek. Meacham's work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography.

John Henrik Clarke was a distinguished African-American historian, professor, and influential figure in the development of Pan-African and Africana studies. He played a vital role in establishing professional institutions in academia during the late 1960s, contributing significantly to the advancement of Afrocentric perspectives. Clarke's work as a pioneer in these fields helped shape the study of African history and culture, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community. His dedication to promoting African heritage and history continues to inspire scholars and students worldwide.

Henry Adams was an American historian known for his work as a political journalist and author. He gained valuable experience serving as secretary to his father, an ambassador, during wartime diplomacy in the UK. Adams entertained intellectuals at his homes in Washington and Boston, showcasing his intellect and influence. His most famous work, The History of the United States of America 1801–1817, was praised for its literary style and deep knowledge of the period. His memoir, The Education of Henry Adams, posthumously won the Pulitzer Prize and was acclaimed as the best English-language nonfiction book of the 20th century.

Russell Kirk was a prominent American political philosopher, moralist, historian, social critic, literary critic, and author. He played a significant role in shaping 20th-century American conservatism through his influential book "The Conservative Mind," which highlighted the development of conservative thought in the Anglo-American tradition, particularly emphasizing the ideas of Edmund Burke. Kirk was known as the chief advocate of traditionalist conservatism and also gained recognition as an accomplished author of Gothic and ghost story fiction. He is regarded as a key figure in conservative intellectual circles.

William Manchester was a prolific American author, biographer, and historian known for his extensive body of work comprising 18 books translated into over 20 languages. His contributions to historical literature were widely recognized, earning him prestigious accolades such as the National Humanities Medal and the Abraham Lincoln Literary Award. Manchester's expertise in crafting compelling narratives and conducting thorough research cemented his reputation as a respected figure in the field of history and biography.

Richard Hofstadter was an American historian and public intellectual known for his influential work in the mid-20th century. He served as the DeWitt Clinton Professor of American History at Columbia University. Transitioning from a historical materialist to "consensus history" approach, he critiqued both socialist and capitalist models within American society. His notable publications include works on Social Darwinism, American political tradition, reform movements, anti-intellectualism, and the paranoid style in American politics. Hofstadter was a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and held memberships in prestigious academic societies.

Vincent Barrett Price is a prominent American poet, human rights and environmental columnist, editor, reporter, publisher, and educator. He has authored several poetry volumes and a nonfiction book, and co-founded the New Mexico Mercury, an online platform for news and analysis. Price has been teaching at the University of New Mexico since 1976, covering topics such as classics, modern poetry, urban studies, and environmental history. He is also an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Leopold Writing Program and has received recognition for his contributions to the poetry community.

Anne Applebaum is an accomplished American journalist and historian with a focus on the history of Communism and civil society in Central and Eastern Europe. She has held positions at prestigious publications such as The Economist, The Spectator, and The Washington Post. Applebaum's Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Gulag: A History" solidified her reputation as an expert in the field. Currently, she serves as a staff writer for The Atlantic and a senior fellow at The Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

Caleb Carr was an accomplished American military historian and author known for his diverse body of work. He authored several notable books, including The Alienist and The Angel of Darkness, and also worked in film, television, and theater. Carr previously taught military history at Bard College and contributed political and military writings to prestigious publications such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He had a strong presence in the literary and media spheres and was a respected figure in his field.

Sarah Vowell is a multifaceted American professional known for her work as a historian, author, journalist, essayist, social commentator, and actress. With a focus on American history and culture, she has authored seven nonfiction books. Vowell's contributions to the radio program This American Life spanned from 1996 to 2008, where she provided commentary and produced documentaries. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character Violet Parr in the animated film The Incredibles and its sequel.

David Halberstam was an accomplished American writer, journalist, and historian who made significant contributions to various fields. He is best known for his impactful work on the Vietnam War, politics, history, the Civil Rights Movement, business, media, American culture, Korean War, and sports journalism. Halberstam's dedication to investigative reporting and in-depth research earned him a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1964. Tragically, his career was cut short when he passed away in a car crash in 2007 while conducting research for a book.

Elaine Pagels is an American historian of religion and the Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University. She specializes in early Christianity and Gnosticism, conducting extensive research in these areas. Pagels is best known for her influential book "The Gnostic Gospels," which explores the divisions within the early Christian church and the historical treatment of women in both Jewish and Christian contexts. The book was recognized by Modern Library as one of the top 100 books of the twentieth century.

Hiram Bingham III was an American academic, explorer, and politician known for rediscovering the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in 1911 with the help of local indigenous farmers. He briefly served as the 69th Governor of Connecticut in 1925, holding the position for just one day, the shortest term in history. Bingham was elected to the United States Senate in 1924 and served until 1933. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to exploration, academia, and politics.

Donald Kagan was a renowned historian and classicist who dedicated his career to studying ancient Greece. He held teaching positions at both Yale University and Cornell University, where he shared his expertise with students. Kagan was widely recognized as one of the leading American scholars in Greek history, particularly known for his comprehensive four-volume history of the Peloponnesian War. His contributions to the field have left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a respected authority in ancient Greek studies.

Bert Sugar was an iconic figure in the world of boxing, renowned for his distinctive style featuring a trademark fedora and unlit cigar. As an American boxing writer and sports historian, he made significant contributions to the sport through his insightful analysis and vivid storytelling. Sugar's expertise and passion for boxing were evident in his work, where he provided commentary, historical context, and engaging narratives that captured the essence of the sport. His unique persona and deep knowledge of boxing solidified his reputation as a respected and beloved figure in the industry.

William Lawrence Shirer was an American journalist and war correspondent known for his extensive work covering Nazi Germany and World War II. He gained recognition for his book "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich," which remains a prominent reference in scholarly works. Shirer worked as a foreign correspondent for major news outlets and was part of the renowned CBS radio team of journalists known as "Murrow's Boys." Throughout his career, he authored several books focusing on significant historical events and his experiences as a journalist.

Arthur Meier Schlesinger Jr. was an American historian and public intellectual known for his expertise in American history, particularly the history of 20th-century American liberalism. He focused on influential leaders such as Harry S. Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. Schlesinger served as a primary speechwriter and adviser to Democratic presidential nominee Adlai Stevenson II, as well as a special assistant and "court historian" to President Kennedy. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his detailed account of the Kennedy administration in "A Thousand Days." Schlesinger also supported Senator Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign and popularized the term "imperial presidency" during the Nixon administration.

Gertrude Himmelfarb, also known as Bea Kristol, was an influential American historian known for her conservative interpretations of history. Her work primarily focused on intellectual history, particularly in Great Britain and the Victorian era. She made significant contributions to historiography and wrote extensively on contemporary society and culture. Himmelfarb was a respected leader in her field, known for her insightful analyses and scholarly approach to understanding historical events and their impact on society.

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a well-known American biographer, historian, former sports journalist, and political commentator. She has gained recognition for her detailed biographies of various U.S. presidents, with a particular focus on Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Goodwin's book "No Ordinary Time" won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1995, showcasing her expertise in historical research and storytelling. She has also made significant contributions to television, producing the miniseries "Washington" and executive producing the docudrama "Abraham Lincoln," based on her work "Leadership in Turbulent Times."

James Truslow Adams was an American writer and historian known for popularizing the latest scholarship on American history. As a freelance author, he gained recognition for his three-volume history of New England, which was highly esteemed by scholars. One of his most notable contributions was coining the phrase "American Dream" in his 1931 book, The Epic of America. Adams played a significant role in making historical scholarship more accessible to the general public through his writing and promotion of American history.

Theodore H. White was an American political journalist and historian known for his groundbreaking reporting from China during World War II. He gained recognition for his coverage of the Chinese famine of 1942-43, shedding light on the shortcomings of the Nationalist government. White's career also included reporting on post-war Europe in the early 1950s. He rose to prominence with his best-selling series "The Making of the President," which revolutionized political journalism with its combination of interviews, on-the-ground reporting, and vivid writing on presidential elections.

Christopher Lasch was an American historian, moralist, and social critic known for his work as a history professor at the University of Rochester. He focused on using history to highlight the erosion of family and community competence by major institutions. Lasch's books, such as The Culture of Narcissism, won awards and sparked discussions. Initially a neo-Marxist, his political views evolved to combine cultural conservatism with left-leaning critiques of capitalism. He critiqued modern liberalism, emphasizing the importance of learning from past populist movements.

Richard Cevantis Carrier is an American ancient historian known for his contributions to skeptical websites such as The Secular Web and Freethought Blogs. He has authored several books and articles focusing on philosophy and religion in classical antiquity, particularly examining the early development of Christianity from a skeptical perspective. Carrier has engaged in public debates with scholars regarding the historical basis of the Bible and Christianity. He is notably recognized for advocating the theory that Jesus did not exist, although his methodology and conclusions are considered controversial and fringe by many ancient historians.

Bruce Catton was an American historian and journalist renowned for his works on the American Civil War. Specializing in popular history, he focused on narrating stories of interesting characters and historical events while maintaining thorough research and including footnotes in his books. Catton's expertise earned him accolades such as the Pulitzer Prize for History and the National Book Award for Nonfiction. His notable work, "A Stillness at Appomattox," delves into the final campaign of the war in Virginia as part of his acclaimed Army of the Potomac trilogy.

Gordon Stewart Wood is an esteemed American historian and professor at Brown University. He is highly regarded for his groundbreaking research and publications on early American history. Wood's notable works, including The Radicalism of the American Revolution and The Creation of the American Republic, have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Pulitzer Prize for History and the Bancroft Prize. His contributions to the field have been recognized with awards like the National Humanities Medal, highlighting his significant impact and influence in shaping historical scholarship.

Jill Lepore is an accomplished American historian and journalist, currently serving as the David Woods Kemper '41 Professor of American History at Harvard University. She is a staff writer at The New Yorker, known for her insightful writings on American history, law, literature, and politics. Lepore's work extends beyond The New Yorker, with her essays and reviews featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Times Literary Supplement, and Foreign Affairs. She is also a notable author, with several critically acclaimed books based on her essays, including The Mansion of Happiness, The Story of America, and The Whites of Their Eyes. Lepore's book, The Secret History of Wonder Woman, further solidified her reputation, winning the prestigious American History Book Prize in 2015.

Stephen F. Cohen was an American scholar renowned for his expertise in Russian studies. His academic focus was on modern Russian history post the Bolshevik Revolution and Russia's interactions with the United States. Cohen served as a contributing editor for The Nation magazine and was a founding director of the American Committee for East–West Accord. Through his work, Cohen made significant contributions to understanding and analyzing the complex relationship between Russia and the United States, shaping scholarly discussions on international affairs.

Joseph Lee Galloway was an esteemed American newspaper correspondent and columnist known for his work during the Vietnam War. He was renowned for his bravery, having been awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his heroic actions under heavy enemy fire in 1965. Galloway's career spanned various roles, including serving as a special consultant for the Vietnam War 50th anniversary Commemoration project and advising on Ken Burns' documentary history of the Vietnam War. He also held positions as a Military Affairs consultant and columnist for prominent newspaper chains.

Hayden White was an influential American historian known for his contributions to the field of literary criticism. His seminal work, Metahistory: The Historical Imagination in Nineteenth-Century Europe, published in 1973 and reissued in 2014, explored the intersections of history and narrative. White's approach challenged traditional historical methodologies by emphasizing the role of storytelling and imagination in shaping historical accounts. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the understanding of history as a form of literary representation, influencing generations of scholars.

Carroll Quigley was an American historian known for his contribution to the study of civilizations' evolution. He made significant contributions through his teaching at Georgetown University and authored influential works such as The Evolution of Civilizations and Tragedy And Hope. His research highlighted the cooperation of an Anglo-American banking elite in shaping global values over centuries. Quigley's work continues to be recognized for its insights into historical analysis and the interconnectedness of civilizations on a global scale.

George Bancroft was an American historian, statesman, and Democratic politician who played a significant role in advancing secondary education in Massachusetts and on a national and international scale. As U.S. Secretary of the Navy, he founded the United States Naval Academy and served as a key diplomat in Europe, leading missions to Britain and Germany. Bancroft is renowned for his renowned series, History of the United States, which remains a landmark work in American historiography.

Andrew J. Bacevich Jr. is an American historian specializing in international relations, security studies, American foreign policy, and diplomatic and military history. He is a retired colonel in the United States Army and a professor emeritus at Boston University's Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies. Bacevich has been a vocal critic of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, describing it as a catastrophic failure. He is the co-founder and president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and has expressed strong opinions against preventive wars and inviting Ukraine into NATO.

Charles Austin Beard was an influential American historian and professor during the first half of the 20th century. He taught at Columbia University and made significant contributions to the fields of history and political science. Beard gained recognition for his radical re-evaluation of the motivations of the Founding Fathers of the United States, emphasizing economic factors over philosophical ideals. His most notable work, "An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States," sparked controversy and reshaped early American history interpretations. Despite facing criticism and a decline in reputation during the Cold War, Beard remains a prominent figure in American historiography.

John Lewis Gaddis is a renowned American military historian, political scientist, and writer. He holds the prestigious position of Robert A. Lovett Professor of Military and Naval History at Yale University. Gaddis is highly regarded for his extensive research and publications on the Cold War and grand strategy, earning him the title of the "Dean of Cold War Historians" by The New York Times. He is also known as the official biographer of George F. Kennan, a prominent 20th-century American diplomat and historian. Gaddis' biography of Kennan, "George F. Kennan: An American Life," received the esteemed Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 2012.

Nathan Irving Hentoff was a prominent American historian, novelist, jazz and country music critic, and syndicated columnist known for his work at The Village Voice. Following his tenure at The Village Voice, he became a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and continued writing for The Wall Street Journal. Hentoff was a respected voice on First Amendment issues, advocating for press freedom. Throughout his career, he contributed to various publications such as Down Beat, JazzTimes, The Washington Post, and The New Yorker, leaving a lasting impact on journalism and music criticism.

Walter J. Ong was an American Jesuit priest, English literature professor, cultural and religious historian, and philosopher. He focused on the impact of transitioning from orality to literacy on culture and human consciousness. In 1978, he was elected president of the Modern Language Association. His work delved into the changes brought about by literacy, emphasizing the evolution of communication and the implications for society. Ong's contributions to understanding the relationship between language, technology, and culture have significantly influenced scholarly discourse in various fields.

Winston F. Groom, Jr. was an American author renowned for his novel "Forrest Gump," which achieved widespread fame through its film adaptation starring Tom Hanks. Following the movie's success, Groom's novel saw a surge in sales globally. He further expanded his literary repertoire with works like the sequel "Gump and Co." and the novel "El Paso." Groom's professional legacy also includes fifteen non-fiction works covering diverse topics such as the American Civil War and World War I, showcasing his versatility as a writer.

Stephen Jay Greenblatt is an American literary historian and author, known for his contributions to new historicism and cultural poetics. He has been the John Cogan University Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University since 2000. Greenblatt is the general editor of The Norton Shakespeare and The Norton Anthology of English Literature. He has written extensively on Renaissance and Shakespeare studies, co-founded the journal Representations, and authored popular works like Will in the World and The Swerve, which earned him prestigious literary awards.

Michael Parenti is an American political scientist, academic historian, and cultural critic known for his Marxist writings and lectures. He has a diverse professional background that includes teaching at universities and running for political office. Parenti is recognized as an intellectual figure of the American Left, with a focus on scholarly and popular subjects. His work encompasses a wide range of topics, and he is renowned for his critical analysis and commentary on political and social issues from a leftist perspective.

Bernard Lewis was a British American historian known for his expertise in Oriental studies, particularly in the history of Islam and its interactions with the West. He served in the British Army during World War II before becoming a prominent academic at the University of London and later at Princeton University. Lewis was acclaimed as a leading interpreter of the Middle East, although critics have accused him of essentialism and cultural bias in his views. He engaged in public debates with Edward Said and was known for his controversial denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Paul Fussell Jr. was an American cultural and literary historian, author, and university professor known for his extensive writings on a wide range of topics, from eighteenth-century English literature to America's class system. He served in the 103rd Infantry Division during World War II and was wounded in combat. Fussell held faculty positions at Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania, where he made significant contributions to the understanding of World War I and II, highlighting the stark contrast between the romanticized ideals of war and its harsh realities.

Derek J. de Solla Price was a renowned British physicist, historian of science, and information scientist. His work in investigating the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek planetary computer, was groundbreaking. Price's quantitative studies on scientific publications were pioneering and earned him the title "Herald of scientometrics." He made significant contributions to the field through his research and analysis, leaving a lasting impact on the understanding of science and its dissemination. Price's professional legacy continues to influence and inspire scholars in various disciplines.

Christopher Browning is an American historian specializing in the Holocaust. He is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Browning has authored nine books, notably "Ordinary Men" and "The Origins of the Final Solution." He taught at Pacific Lutheran University and later joined UNC as a Distinguished Professor. Browning was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has served as an expert witness in Holocaust-related trials. He retired from UNC in 2014 and became a visiting professor at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Tony Judt was an English historian, essayist, and university professor known for his specialization in European history. He relocated to New York, where he held the prestigious Erich Maria Remarque Professorship in European Studies at New York University and directed the Remarque Institute. Judt was a respected contributor to The New York Review of Books. His academic achievements include being elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1996 and a corresponding Fellow of the British Academy in 2007.

Comer Vann Woodward was an influential American historian known for his focus on the American South and race relations. Initially aligned with the left in the 1930s, he later became a prominent liberal and advocate for civil rights by the 1950s. Woodward's book, The Strange Career of Jim Crow, challenged the notion that racial segregation was a post-Civil-War inevitability. Despite facing criticism from the New Left in the late 1960s, he continued to make significant contributions to the field of history, including winning a Pulitzer Prize for History for his work on Mary Chestnut's Civil War diaries.

David Gilbert Christian is a renowned historian and scholar specializing in Russian history. He is widely recognized for pioneering the field of Big History and developing the first course on the subject in 1989. Through a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields, Christian explores history from the Big Bang to the present day. His work frames human history within the context of cosmic, geological, and biological evolution. Christian coined the term "Big History" and continues to promote the discipline as the president of the International Big History Association. His impactful Teaching Company course on Big History has garnered significant attention, including support from philanthropist Bill Gates for expanding the program to secondary-school students globally.

Eric Foner is a prominent American historian known for his extensive writings on American political history, the history of freedom, the early history of the Republican Party, African American biography, the American Civil War, Reconstruction, and historiography. He has been a faculty member at Columbia University since 1982 and is the author of popular textbooks. Foner is widely cited on college history syllabi, with a particular focus on the Reconstruction period. He has won numerous prestigious awards for his works, including the Pulitzer Prize for History and the Bancroft Prize.

Mike Davis was a prominent American writer, political activist, urban theorist, and historian known for his insightful investigations into power dynamics and social class issues. Based in Southern California, he authored influential works such as City of Quartz and Late Victorian Holocausts. His last two non-fiction books, Set the Night on Fire and The Monster Enters, co-authored with Jon Wiener, delved into the history of Los Angeles in the sixties and the impact of pandemics within the framework of capitalism. Davis's contributions have left a lasting impact on the fields of urban studies and history.

Immanuel Wallerstein was a prominent American sociologist and economic historian known for his significant contributions to the world-systems approach in sociology. Throughout his career, he held the position of Senior Research Scholar at Yale University and served as the 13th president of the International Sociological Association. Wallerstein was widely recognized for his bimonthly syndicated commentaries on global affairs and his influential work in the field of sociology, shaping scholarly discourse and understanding of the world's economic and social structures.

Vincent Scully was an influential American art historian and Sterling Professor of the History of Art in Architecture at Yale University. Known for his captivating lectures, he drew large crowds and was praised as a remarkable educator by architect Philip Johnson. Scully's impact extended beyond Yale, as he also served as a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Miami. Through his books and teachings, he left a lasting legacy in the field of architectural history and education.

Garry Wills is a prominent American author, journalist, political philosopher, and historian known for his expertise in American history, politics, and religion, particularly the Catholic Church. He received a Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1993. With a prolific career spanning over five decades, Wills has authored more than fifty books and has been a regular contributor to The New York Review of Books since 1973. He served as a faculty member in the history department at Northwestern University, where he holds the title of Emeritus Professor of History.

Daniel J. Boorstin was an American historian known for his work at the University of Chicago and as the twelfth Librarian of the United States Congress. He played a significant role in establishing the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress. Boorstin transitioned from a youthful Communist Party member to a political conservative, advocating for consensus history. He emphasized the absence of ideology in American politics and celebrated inventors and entrepreneurs as key figures in American success. His work aligned with the "consensus school" of historians.

Thomas Woods Jr. is an American author, podcast host, and libertarian commentator. He is currently a senior fellow at the Mises Institute and a proponent of the Austrian School of economics. Woods is known for hosting the daily podcast, The Tom Woods Show, and previously co-hosted the weekly podcast Contra Krugman. His books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History and Meltdown, have been New York Times bestsellers. Woods focuses on promoting libertarianism and libertarian-leaning political figures, and also teaches homeschooling courses on Western civilization and government.

Lewis Mumford was an American historian, sociologist, philosopher of technology, and literary critic known for his extensive work in studying cities and urban architecture. He made significant contributions to social philosophy, American literary and cultural history, and the history of technology. Influenced by Scottish theorist Sir Patrick Geddes, he collaborated closely with British sociologist Victor Branford. Mumford was contemporary and friends with notable figures like Frank Lloyd Wright, Clarence Stein, Frederic Osborn, Edmund N. Bacon, and Vannevar Bush, establishing a rich network within his field.

Mimi Gates is an accomplished American art historian known for her significant contributions to the cultural landscape. She served as the director of the Seattle Art Museum, where her leadership and expertise greatly influenced the museum's programs and collections. Throughout her career, Gates has been dedicated to promoting art education and fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse artistic expressions. Her innovative approach to curating and preserving art has solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the art world.

Frederick Jackson Turner was an influential American historian known for his frontier thesis. He was based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later Harvard University. Turner trained numerous notable historians and emphasized interdisciplinary and quantitative methods, particularly focusing on the Midwestern United States. His essay "The Significance of the Frontier in American History" introduced ideas central to the frontier thesis, arguing that the western frontier shaped American democracy and character. Turner's work on geographical sectionalism and the frontier thesis continues to impact historical scholarship and remains a subject of debate among academics.

Noel Ignatiev was an American author, historian, and communist activist known for his controversial theories on race and advocacy for abolishing "whiteness". He co-founded the New Abolitionist Society and co-edited the journal Race Traitor, promoting the idea that "treason to whiteness is loyalty to humanity". Ignatiev published the book "How the Irish Became White", examining the choices made by early Irish immigrants in the United States to identify as "white" and participate in oppressing darker-skinned peoples.