Henry Adams

Date of Birth: February 16, 1838

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: March 27, 1918

Biography

Henry Brooks Adams was an American historian, journalist, and academic born into one of the nation’s most prominent families. He was born on February 16, 1838, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Charles Francis Adams Sr. and Abigail Brooks. His father was a diplomat and politician, and his grandfather and great-grandfather were both U.S. Presidents, John Quincy Adams and John Adams, respectively. Henry Adams graduated from Harvard University in 1858 and subsequently spent several years in Europe, where he immersed himself in the study of history and politics. Upon returning to the United States, he worked as a private secretary for his father, who was appointed U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom. This role gave Henry unique access to the highest levels of international diplomacy, which profoundly influenced his later writings. Adams is best known for his autobiography, “The Education of Henry Adams,” which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1919. The book is considered a seminal work of American literature and provides a detailed account of the intellectual and political landscape of the 19th century. He also wrote “Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres,” a detailed study of medieval France, and “The History of the United States of America During the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison,” a nine-volume work that remains a cornerstone of American historical scholarship.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Adams

1. Henry Adams was a member of the influential Adams political family, which included two U.S. Presidents.

2. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his autobiography, “The Education of Henry Adams,” published posthumously in 1918.

3. Adams was a close friend and confidant of several notable figures, including John Hay and Clarence King.

4. His work “Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres” is a detailed exploration of medieval architecture and philosophy.

5. Adams was a professor of medieval history at Harvard University for seven years, influencing many future historians.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Adams

1. “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”

2. “Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man.”

3. “Nothing in education is so astonishing as the amount of ignorance it accumulates in the form of inert facts.”

4. “The proper study of mankind is woman.”

5. “Knowledge of human nature is the beginning and end of political education.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry Adams did not have a significant personal fortune, but he inherited wealth from his family. His net worth at the time of his death is not well-documented but is estimated to have been comfortable due to his inheritance and successful literary career.

Children

Henry Adams did not have any children. He was married to Marian “Clover” Hooper Adams, a talented photographer, and socialite, who tragically committed suicide in 1885.