Francis Parkman

Francis Parkman (September 16, 1823 – November 8, 1893) was born in Boston, Massachusetts and died in Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts. He is best known as a historian, and particularly as author of ', and his monumental eight volume France and England in North America. These works are considered masterpieces of both history and literature.

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He was also a horticulturist, briefly a Professor of Horticulture at Harvard University and the first leader of the Arnold Arboretum, originator of several flowers, and author of several books on the topic.

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In 1846, Parkman travelled west on a hunting expedition. His guide happened to be married to a Sioux woman, and this connection led to Parkman spending a number of weeks living with the Sioux tribe, at a time when they were still more or less following their traditional way of life. This experience permitted Parkman to write about the American Indian with a much different tone that set him apart from many other commentators, especially believers the noble savage myth.

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A scion of a wealthy Boston family, Parkman had enough money to pursue his research without having to worry too much about finances. His financial stability was enhanced by his modest lifestyle, and later, by the royalties from his book sales. He was thus able to commit much of his time to research, as well as to travel. He travelled across North America, visiting most of the historical locations he wrote about, and made frequent trips to Europe seeking original documents with which to further his research.

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Parkman's accomplishments are all the more impressive in light of the fact that he suffered from a debilitating neurological illness, which plagued him his entire life, and which was never properly diagnosed. He was often unable to walk, and for long periods he was effectively blind, being unable to stand but the slightest amount of light. Much of his research involved having people read documents to him, and much of his writing was written in the dark, or dictated to others.

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September 16: September 16 is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years). There are 106 days remaining....

1823: 1823 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar)....

November 8: November 8 is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 53 days remaining....

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