Barbara W. Tuchman

Easton Press Barbara W. Tuchman books

The Guns of August - Library of Military History - 1987

Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911 to 1945 - Library of Military History - 1994

Franklin Library Barbara W. Tuchman books

A Distant Mirror - Limited First Edition Society - 1978
The Guns of August - Pulitzer Prize Classics - 1984

 

 

Author Barbara W. Tuchman

Barbara Wertheim Tuchman was an American historian and author known for her meticulous research, engaging writing style, and insightful analysis of historical events. Born on January 30, 1912, in New York City, she was the daughter of the esteemed banker Maurice Wertheim and Alma Morgenthau Wertheim, who was the daughter of Henry Morgenthau Sr., the U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Tuchman grew up in a privileged environment, surrounded by intellectual stimulation and a love for learning. She attended Walden School and then Radcliffe College, where she graduated with a degree in history in 1933. She furthered her education at the University of California, Berkeley, studying medieval history. In 1938, Barbara married Dr. Lester R. Tuchman, a physician, and they had three daughters together. Despite her familial responsibilities, Tuchman remained dedicated to her passion for history and writing. She began her career as a journalist, working for various publications such as The Nation and The New Republic.

Tuchman's breakthrough came with the publication of her first book, The Lost British Policy: Britain and Spain Since 1700, in 1938. However, it was her later works that garnered widespread acclaim and recognition. One of her most celebrated books, The Guns of August, published in 1962, earned her the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. This seminal work meticulously detailed the events leading up to World War I, focusing on the diplomatic and military maneuvers that culminated in the conflict. Throughout her career, Tuchman demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring history to life through vivid storytelling and incisive analysis. She tackled a diverse range of subjects, from the medieval period to the 20th century, always striving to uncover the human stories behind historical events. Among her other notable works are A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century (1978), which explored the complexities of medieval Europe, and The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam (1984), an examination of the recurring patterns of folly in history.

Barbara W. Tuchman's contributions to the field of history were not only scholarly but also accessible to a wide audience. Her books continue to be widely read and admired for their insightful analysis, elegant prose, and enduring relevance. Tuchman passed away on February 6, 1989, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship and storytelling that continues to inspire readers and historians alike.