History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent to the Declaration of Independence. Volume 7

This Worcester-born historian blithely answered questions about Roman history at the age of six. A Harvard graduate at seventeen years of age, Bancroft abandoned a teaching career (his students called him "the Critter,") and became engaged in the world of politics. His affiliations with such powerful Democratic leaders as Jackson and Van Buren led to an appointment as United States Minister to Great Britain, giving him time to complete his famed History of the United States (1852-74).