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Favorite Historians

Discussion in 'History Forum' started by Martin, Jan 18, 2007.

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  1. Martin

    Martin Active Member

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    This being a history forum and everything I thought a thread on people's favorite historians would be interesting. This is also in response to a thread on the politics forum in which David Barton's historical "scholarship" was raised. Btw, I have made my views on Barton well known in that thread.

    So, who are your favorite historians (any era, subject)?

    For me it is really easy. Mark Noll and Edwin S. Gaustad always top my list. There are others that I read, and I love original sources, but those are the top two for me. Gaustad's work on Roger Williams, on whom he has written two books, is my favorite of his works. I also enjoyed his book on Thomas Jefferson (Sworn on the Altar of God). As for Noll, well honestly, I like everything I have read from him. He has several great "over-view" books (Old Religion In A New World, History of Christianity in America and Canada, Turning Points, etc) but he has also written some fine books on more specific subjects.
     
    #1 Martin, Jan 18, 2007
  2. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    Among my favorites: Barbara Tuchman, James McPherson, Shelby Foote, Paul M. Johnson, William C. Davis, Robert K. Massie, Robert Caro and William Manchester (although the last two are really journalists, not historians.) I also like the work of Antonia Fraser, Robert Graves and Colleen McCullough.

    I'm sure I've left a favorite out somewhere.
     
    #2 rsr, Jan 18, 2007
  3. Melanie

    Melanie Active Member
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    Goodness me....Colleen McCullough???????? must admit have never read anything after Tim, and that crazy thing which was made into a really really bad thing which was a pot boiler set in early country Oz
     
    #3 Melanie, Jan 20, 2007
  4. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    I mentioned her because I was taken by her novels on the Roman Republic and Empire. I have read three of the novels (there are six total) and I was impressed by her attention to historical detail, going so far as to publish a glossary that defines everything from the tortured Roman political system to customs and manners of the period.

    I have not read anything else by her - including the above-mentioned novel whose name shall not be spoken.
     
    #4 rsr, Jan 20, 2007
  5. Melanie

    Melanie Active Member
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    ahhh haa RSR, I shall check her out in the library. I do know the poor woman is going blind in her beautiful home of Norfolk Island....does she still write.....that pot boiler , I simply cannot remember the name of it....ah yes it was the Thorn Birds I think
     
    #5 Melanie, Jan 21, 2007
  6. Ps104_33

    Ps104_33 New Member

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    I like William Manchester. Read his three volume tome on Churchill, "The Last lion".
    Churchill is not a bad writer of history either. After all:

    "History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it".
     
    #6 Ps104_33, Feb 4, 2007
  7. Eliyahu

    Eliyahu Active Member
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    #7 Eliyahu, Feb 8, 2007
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2007
  8. dwmoeller1

    dwmoeller1 New Member

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    Paul Johnson and Robert Caro would be at the top of my list. Have enjoyed/am now enjoying David McCullough as well.

    I would add that Churchhill's History of the English Speaking People is well worth reading as well.
     
    #8 dwmoeller1, Feb 13, 2007
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