Origins & Early Life

Sir Lewis Bernstein Namier (, born Ludwik Bernstein Niemirowski; 27 June 1888 – 19 August 1960) was a Polish-born British historian. His best-known works were The Structure of Politics at the Accession of George III (1929), England in the Age of the American Revolution (1930) and the History of Parliament series (begun 1940) he edited later in his life with John Brooke. Namier was born Ludwik Bernstein Niemirowski in Wola Okrzejska in the Russian-controlled Congress Poland, now part of the Lublin Voivodeship of southeastern Poland, although his family moved to the Austrian Partition in 1890. His family were secular-minded Polish-Jewish gentry.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father, with whom young Lewis often quarreled, idolized the Austro-Hungarian Empire. By contrast, Namier throughout his life detested it. Before coming to England he was educated at the University of Lwów in Austrian Galicia (now in Ukraine) and the University of Lausanne. At Lausanne, Namier heard Vilfredo Pareto lecture, and Pareto's ideas about elites would have a great influence on his thinking. Namier emigrated to the United Kingdom in 1907, studied first at the London School of Economics for a year and then at Balliol College...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Barry Fitzgerald — Contemporary (Born in 1888) (1888): Esteemed Irish actor known for his versatile stage and screen performances.
• C. V. Raman — Contemporary (Born in 1888) (1888): Pioneering physicist renowned for the discovery of the light scattering phenomenon.
• Dale Carnegie — Contemporary (Born in 1888) (1888): Pioneering author and lecturer on self-improvement, public speaking, and human relations.
• Adam Clayton — Contemporary (Born in 1960) (1960): Irish-English bassist and founding member of the globally renowned rock band U2.
• Adam Schiff — Contemporary (Born in 1960) (1960): Long-serving Democratic politician, former Congressman, and current U.S. Senator from California.
• Albert Camus — Contemporary (Died in 1960) (1960): Philosopher and writer known for Absurdism, The Stranger, and The Plague.
• A. J. Ayer — Shared historical date (06-27 · Died) (1989): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• Albert R. Broccoli — Shared historical date (06-27 · Died) (1996): Pioneering American film producer, best known for developing the James Bond franchise.
• Andrea Palladio — Shared historical date (08-19 · Died) (1580): Master Renaissance architect whose villas defined the Palladian style.
• Augustus — Shared historical date (08-19 · Died) (14): Founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman Emperor, ushering in the Pax Romana.
• 1888 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1888
• June 27 (06-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 27
• 1960 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1960
• August 19 (08-19) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 19