Eric Foner

American historian · United States · On the map · Writers · Born 1943 · age 83

Eric Foner is an American historian. He writes extensively on American political history, the history of freedom, the early history of the Republican Party, African American biography, the American Civil War, Reconstruction, and historiography, and has been a member of the faculty at the Columbia University Department...

Eric Foner is read about 180 times a day, in 13 languages.

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A life in dates

2017“If Robert E. Lee, who rebelled against the American government, deserves one, then why doesn't Nat Turner, who led a slave rebellion?”In their words17 August 2017As quoted in "Trump says it is 'foolish' to remove Confederate symbols" (17 August 2017), by Neil Munshi, FT.comRead the whole statement

2016American History Book PrizeAward2013“Lincoln asked the nation to confront unblinkingly the legacy of slavery. What were the requirements of justice in the face of this reality?”In their words1 January 2013"The Emancipation of Abe Lincoln" (1 January 2013), The New York Times, New YorkRead the whole statement

2012“Grant's famous motto, "Let us have peace", adorns the entrance to his tomb in New York City.”In their words2 November 2012"The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace" (2 November 2012), The New York TimesRead the whole statement

2011“Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. challenged the underlying premise of prevailing Civil War scholarship.”In their words10 October 2011"The Civil War in 'Postracial' America" (10 October 2011), The NationRead the whole statement

Bancroft PrizeAwardLincoln PrizeAwardPulitzer Prize for HistoryAward2009“The hallmarks of Lincoln's greatness were his ability to grow and his willingness to change his mind.”In their words"If Lincoln Hadn't Died" (2009), American Heritage, Volume 58, Issue 6Read the whole statement

“The vast majority of white southerners, supported vociferously by the Democratic Party of the north, were deeply opposed to any equality for the former slaves.”In their words"If Lincoln Hadn't Died" (2009), American Heritage, Volume 58, Issue 6Read the whole statement

1989Bancroft PrizeAwardFrancis Parkman PrizeAward1943Born7 February 1943

People around Eric

Family

Father Jack D. Foner

Eric Foner

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In their own words 4

Eric Foner

4 statements, newest first

The Democratic Party, whatever that is, lacks a vision or an ideology. But many people have said this. Why? That is because it is a conglomeration of mutually exclusive parts.
3 February 2015 · "How Radical Change Occurs: An Interview With Historian Eric Foner" (3 February 2015), by Mike Konczal, The Nation, Own words
Essentially what Lincoln said is slavery is a form of theft, the theft of labor, one person stealing another person's labor without that person’s permission.
9 August 2012 · As quoted in "Lincoln's Nuanced View of Slavery Explained By Renowned Historian", by Michelle Merlin, The Register Citizen, Own words
I admire Lincoln very much.
2010 · The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery (2010) p. xx, Own words

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Awards

American History Book Prize2016

Lincoln Prize2011

Pulitzer Prize for History2011

Bancroft Prize2011

Bancroft Prize1989

Francis Parkman Prize1989

Guggenheim Fellowship

John Jay Award

About this person

He writes extensively on American political history, the history of freedom, the early history of the Republican Party, African American biography, the American Civil War, Reconstruction, and historiography, and has been a member of the faculty at the Columbia University Department of History since 1982. He is the author of several popular textbooks, such as the Give Me Liberty! series for high school classrooms. According to the Open Syllabus Project, Foner is the most frequently cited author on college syllabi for history courses.

Country

United States