Yesterday, two of the greatest known historians of American history in the last century passed away. First, our resident laureate, the venerable Thomas D. Clark, died, two weeks away from 102. He'd lived more than a century and most of that time was spent studying, writing, and talking about our beloved Bluegrass. His works have influenced generations to take pride in their commonwealth's history.

Thomas Clark

The other great historian, while not a Kentucky historian per se, certainly knew his fair share. One Mr. Shelby Foote, noted civil war historian and author also passed away. Many may remember the phenomenal series on PBS, Ken Burn's the Civil War. Mr. Foote was the primary historian behind much of it and his interviews were central to the series. He wrote a magnificient narrative some 3000 pages longand his ranked as one of the greatest literary works of the 20th century. His work was intellectual and magnificient and quite readable. His life long work to put the war in perspective for Americans everywhere produced a tremendous body of work.

Shelby Foote

For those students of history out there like myself, we'll sorely miss these great resources of human lore.

posted by Stithmeister @ 7:53 PM
 
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