James Parton Quotes

Biographer
USA
1822

James Parton (1822-1891) was an American biographer and historian. He is best known for his biographies of Horace Greeley, Andrew Jackson, and Benjamin Franklin. He also wrote a number of books on the history of the United States, including The Life of Thomas Jefferson (1874) and The Life of Aaron Burr (1879). Parton was a prolific writer, publishing over 50 books and hundreds of articles in his lifetime. He was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and a supporter of the Union during the Civil War.Read Less

E.P. Whipple calls fanaticism “religion caricatured,” which is a full definition in a word. Feraz Zeid, January 17, 2024, James Parton, Definitions, Fanaticism, Religion, 0

- James Parton

Biographer

· USA

Fidelity is seven-tenths of business success. Feraz Zeid, October 24, 2023, James Parton, Business, Fidelity, Seven, 0

- James Parton

Biographer

· USA

Women do not disapprove their rivals; they hate them. Feraz Zeid, September 21, 2023, James Parton, Hate, Rivalry, Rivals, 0

- James Parton

Biographer

· USA

James Parton Career Highlights

Parton began his career as a teacher and later became a journalist, writing for various newspapers and magazines.
In 1855, he published his first book, “Life and Times of Aaron Burr,” which received critical acclaim and established him as a prominent biographer.
Parton’s most famous work, “The Life of Andrew Jackson,” was published in 1860 and became a bestseller, solidifying his reputation as a leading biographer.
He continued to write biographies of other notable figures, including Horace Greeley, Voltaire, and Thomas Jefferson.
In addition to biographies, Parton also wrote on various historical topics, such as the American Revolution and the Civil War.
He was a founding member of the American Social Science Association and served as its president from 1873 to 1874.

Key Contributions by James Parton

Parton’s biographies were known for their thorough research and attention to detail. He spent years gathering information and conducting interviews with people who knew the subjects personally.
He was one of the first biographers to use primary sources, such as letters and diaries, to provide a more accurate and intimate portrayal of his subjects.
Parton’s writing style was engaging and accessible, making his biographies popular among the general public.
He was a pioneer in the field of psychological biography, delving into the motivations and inner thoughts of his subjects.
Parton’s biographies were not just a retelling of facts, but also provided insight into the social and political context of the time, giving readers a deeper understanding of the subject’s life.

What Sets James Parton Apart

Parton’s dedication to thorough research and use of primary sources set him apart from other biographers of his time.
He was able to humanize his subjects and present a more nuanced and complex portrayal of their lives, rather than just glorifying or vilifying them.
Parton’s writing style was engaging and accessible, making his biographies appealing to a wide audience.
He was not afraid to challenge popular beliefs and present a different perspective on well-known historical figures.

Takeaways

James Parton’s career highlights the importance of thorough research and the use of primary sources in biographical writing.
His biographies serve as a valuable resource for understanding the lives of prominent figures in American history.
Parton’s writing style and approach to biography continue to influence and inspire biographers today.
He showed that biographies can be both informative and entertaining, making history accessible to a wider audience.

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