Samuel Eliot Morison

 

Easton Press Samuel Eliot Morison books

Christopher Columbus, Mariner - 1990

The European Discovery of America

Life and Voyages of Columbus - 1990

Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Journal Documents (2 volume set) - 1991

The Two Ocean War: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World - Library of Military History - 1993

John Paul Jones: A Sailor's Biography - Library of Military History - 1994

 

Franklin Library Samuel Eliot Morison books

Admiral of the Ocean Sea - 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature - 1978

Admiral of the Ocean Sea - Pulitzer Prize Classics - 1985

 

 

Samuel Eliot Morison biography

Samuel Eliot Morison, born on July 9, 1887, in Boston, Massachusetts, was a distinguished American historian, naval officer, and author whose works profoundly influenced the study of maritime history and American exploration. Morison's groundbreaking research and engaging narrative style earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the preeminent historians of his time. Morison's early years were marked by a deep fascination with the sea and exploration, interests that would later shape his scholarly pursuits. After graduating from Harvard University in 1908, Morison embarked on a distinguished naval career, serving in both World War I and World War II and rising to the rank of rear admiral. His experiences at sea instilled in him a profound appreciation for naval history and maritime exploration, themes that would permeate his later writing.

Morison's literary career began in earnest in the 1920s, with the publication of his first major work, The Maritime History of Massachusetts, 1783-1860 (1921). This seminal study laid the groundwork for Morison's subsequent explorations of American naval history and established him as a leading authority on the subject. Throughout his prolific career, Morison authored numerous acclaimed works, including his monumental History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, a 15-volume series that remains one of the most comprehensive accounts of the naval aspects of the war. Morison's meticulous research and vivid storytelling brought the complexities of naval warfare to life, earning him the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1943.

In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Morison was also a gifted biographer, penning definitive accounts of historical figures such as Christopher Columbus, John Paul Jones, and Admiral Lord Nelson. His biographies combined rigorous research with engaging prose, offering readers intimate insights into the lives and exploits of these iconic figures. Morison's contributions to the field of history were not limited to his writing alone. He also played a pivotal role in shaping historical scholarship as a teacher and mentor, serving as a professor at Harvard University for over four decades and inspiring generations of students with his passion for history and exploration.

Samuel Eliot Morison passed away on May 15, 1976, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy that continues to influence historians and readers alike. His meticulous research, engaging narrative style, and profound understanding of the sea have solidified his reputation as one of the most important historians of the 20th century, ensuring that his contributions to the study of maritime history and American exploration will be remembered for generations to come.

 

 

 

The European Discovery of America

 

Vol 1: The Northern Voyages, 500-1600

 

Vol 2: The Southern Voyages 1492-1616

 

The European Discovery of America stands as a seminal work in the field of maritime history and exploration. Published in 1971, this monumental volume traces the voyages of European explorers to the Americas during the Age of Discovery, offering a comprehensive and vivid account of the encounters that forever altered the course of world history. Morison's magisterial work begins with the legendary journeys of Christopher Columbus, whose historic voyage in 1492 ushered in an era of unprecedented exploration and expansion. Drawing upon a wealth of primary sources and firsthand accounts, Morison meticulously reconstructs the voyages of Columbus and other early explorers, providing readers with a detailed understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and consequences of their expeditions.

One of the defining features of The European Discovery of America is Morison's meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to accuracy. As an accomplished historian and naval officer, Morison possessed a deep understanding of maritime affairs and navigational techniques, allowing him to provide insightful analysis and commentary on the logistical and navigational aspects of each voyage. In addition to chronicling the exploits of Columbus, Morison also explores the journeys of other prominent explorers, including John Cabot, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Juan Ponce de León, among others. Through vivid descriptions and compelling narratives, Morison brings to life the daring voyages, encounters with indigenous peoples, and geopolitical rivalries that characterized the European exploration of the Americas.

The European Discovery of America is not merely a recounting of historical events; it is also a reflection on the broader implications of European expansion and colonization. Morison grapples with complex issues such as cultural exchange, colonialism, and the impact of European conquest on indigenous societies, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the consequences of the Age of Discovery.

Morison's masterful synthesis of archival research, narrative skill, and scholarly insight has earned The European Discovery of America widespread acclaim and recognition. It remains an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive and compelling account of one of the most transformative periods in human history. Through his work, Morison has ensured that the legacy of the European discovery of America will continue to be studied, debated, and appreciated for generations to come.