Henry Steele Commager

Date of Birth: October 25, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 2, 1998

Biography

Henry Steele Commager was a prominent American historian and author, known for his significant contributions to the understanding of American history and the development of historical scholarship in the United States. Born on October 25, 1902, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Commager showed an early interest in history. He pursued his higher education at the University of Chicago, where he obtained his Ph.D. in 1928. Commager’s career as a historian spanned over five decades. He began teaching at New York University before moving to Columbia University in 1936, where he gained tenure and established himself as a leading figure in American historical studies. He was known for his clear and engaging writing style, which made history accessible to a broad audience. Among his many works, “The Growth of the American Republic,” co-authored with Samuel Eliot Morison, is one of his most influential textbooks. He also wrote “The American Mind: An Interpretation of American Thought and Character Since the 1880s,” which provided a comprehensive analysis of American intellectual history. In addition to his scholarly work, Commager was a vocal advocate for civil liberties and often engaged in public debates about contemporary political issues. He believed in the importance of historical understanding to inform public policy and civic life. Commager passed away on March 2, 1998, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and public engagement that continues to influence historians and the general public alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Steele Commager

1. Henry Steele Commager co-authored “The Growth of the American Republic,” one of the most widely used textbooks in American history.

2. He was a staunch advocate for civil liberties and often criticized government policies that he felt infringed upon individual freedoms.

3. Commager was a prolific writer, producing over 40 books and numerous articles throughout his career.

4. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Bancroft Prize for his contributions to American history.

5. Commager was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and served as its president from 1970 to 1973.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Steele Commager

1. “The greatest danger in times of crisis comes from the zeal of those who are inexperienced.”

2. “History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”

3. “The American mind, unlike the American heart, is not easily stirred.”

4. “Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change.”

5. “The American people have always been able to handle the truth; it is a matter of telling them the truth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no public record of Henry Steele Commager’s net worth. As a historian and academic, his wealth was likely modest compared to figures in the business or entertainment industries.