G. M. Trevelyan

Date of Birth: February 16, 1876

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 21, 1962

Biography

George Macaulay Trevelyan, often known as G. M. Trevelyan, was a distinguished British historian renowned for his vivid narrative style and contributions to the study of British and European history. Born into a prominent family, Trevelyan was the son of Sir George Otto Trevelyan, a well-known historian and politician, and the great-nephew of the famous historian Thomas Babington Macaulay. Trevelyan was educated at Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he developed a passion for history. Trevelyan’s historical works are celebrated for their literary quality and accessibility. His major works include “England under the Stuarts,” “Garibaldi and the Thousand,” and “A History of England.” He held various academic positions throughout his career, including Regius Professor of Modern History at Cambridge University. Trevelyan’s approach to history emphasized the importance of narrative and the role of individuals in shaping historical events.

5 Interesting Facts about G. M. Trevelyan

1. G. M. Trevelyan was a leading figure in the Whig interpretation of history, which emphasizes progress and reform.

2. He was a key figure in the establishment of the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty in the UK.

3. Trevelyan was awarded the Order of Merit in 1951 for his contributions to history.

4. He was an avid advocate for preserving the English countryside and played a significant role in the conservation movement.

5. Trevelyan’s works were widely read and translated into several languages, making him one of the most influential historians of his time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from G. M. Trevelyan

1. “The poetry of history lies in the quasi-miraculous fact that once, on this earth, on this familiar spot of ground, walked other men and women as actual as we are today.”

2. “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”

3. “Education… has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading.”

4. “Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the life-blood of real civilization.”

5. “The past is not a burden on the memory but a light on the imagination.”