H. W. Brands

Date of Birth: August 7, 1953

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Henry William Brands, known as H. W. Brands, is a prominent American historian and author, celebrated for his extensive works on American history. Born in Portland, Oregon, Brands grew up with a keen interest in the narratives that shaped the United States. He attended Stanford University, where he earned a degree in history, and later pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin. Brands has authored over 30 books, including biographies of significant American figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Theodore Roosevelt. His works are known for their engaging narrative style and rigorous historical research. Brands is a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, where he continues to inspire students with his depth of knowledge and passion for history. His book “The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in biography, and another, “Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt,” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in history. Brands’ works frequently appear on bestseller lists and are praised for making history accessible and compelling to a broad audience.

5 Interesting Facts about H. W. Brands

1. H. W. Brands initially pursued a career in mathematics and earned an undergraduate degree in the subject before switching his focus to history.

2. He has appeared on several television programs, including the History Channel and C-SPAN, sharing his expertise on American history.

3. Brands has received multiple teaching awards and was named the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin.

4. He served as a visiting scholar at the American Academy in Berlin and the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Italy.

5. Brands is known for his ability to write prolifically, often producing a book every two years while maintaining high standards of academic rigor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from H. W. Brands

1. “History offers us a rich variety of lessons, but only if we take the time to learn them.”

2. “The essence of America lies not in its power, but in its promise.”

3. “A historian’s job is not to judge the past but to understand it.”

4. “Great leaders are those who can turn their vision into reality, often against overwhelming odds.”

5. “The stories of the past are the foundation upon which we build our future.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

H. W. Brands’ highest net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, primarily accrued from his successful books, speaking engagements, and academic positions.