Origins & Early Life

Samuel Eliot Morison (July 9, 1887 – May 15, 1976) was an American historian noted for his works of maritime history and American history that were both authoritative and popular. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1912, and taught history at the university for 40 years. He won Pulitzer Prizes for Admiral of the Ocean Sea (1942), a biography of Christopher Columbus, and John Paul Jones: A Sailor's Biography (1959).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1942, he was commissioned to write a history of United States naval operations in World War II, which was published in 15 volumes between 1947 and 1962. Morison wrote the popular Oxford History of the American People (1965), and co-authored the classic textbook The Growth of the American Republic (1930) with Henry Steele Commager. Over the course of his career, Morison received eleven honorary doctoral degrees, and garnered numerous literary prizes, military honors, and national awards from both foreign countries and the United States, including two Pulitzer Prizes, two Bancroft Prizes, the Balzan Prize, the Legion of Merit, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Samuel Eliot Morison was born July 9, 1887, in Boston, Massachusetts...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Borodin — Contemporary (Died in 1887) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Arthur Rubinstein — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): Master Polish and American pianist, celebrated for his interpretations of Chopin and classical repertoire.
• August Macke — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): German Expressionist painter, key member of Der Blaue Reiter.
• A Day at the Races (album) — Contemporary (Born in 1976) (1976): Queen's fifth studio album, a companion piece to A Night at the Opera.
• Adolph Zukor — Contemporary (Died in 1976) (1976): Pioneering Hungarian-American film producer, co-founder of Paramount Pictures.
• Agatha Christie — Contemporary (Died in 1976) (1976): The 'Queen of Crime,' a master of the mystery genre, best-selling author of all time.
• Amanda Knox — Shared historical date (07-09 · Born) (1987): American author and comedian known for her highly publicized trial in Perugia, Italy.
• Amedeo Avogadro — Shared historical date (07-09 · Died) (1856): Pioneering Italian scientist known for Avogadro's law on gas volumes and molecular theory.
• Albert Bassermann — Shared historical date (05-15 · Died) (1952): Esteemed German stage and screen actor, celebrated for his dramatic versatility.
• Amadou Hampâté Bâ — Shared historical date (05-15 · Died) (1991): Malian writer, historian, and ethnologist championing Africa's oral traditions.
• 1887 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1887
• July 9 (07-09) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 9
• 1976 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1976
• May 15 (05-15) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 15