The Most Popular Historian, Ranked

Choose the historian you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 07:18
In a world brimming with historical narratives and insights, it can be a daunting task to identify which historians have had the most impact on our understanding of the past. A ranked list of popular historians, voted on by readers like you, helps to highlight those whose work has resonated most deeply with the public. This dynamic ranking serves as a guide to finding influential thinkers and writers who have shaped the way we view history. Each vote cast in our ranking system directly influences the visibility and appreciation of historians around the world. By participating, you contribute to a collective effort that recognizes excellence in historical analysis and storytelling. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply a history enthusiast, your input helps celebrate and spread the work of historians who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the complexities of our past.

Who Is the Most Popular Historian?

  1. 1
    63
    votes
    Yuval Noah Harari is he is a popular historian and author who has written several best-selling books, including "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" and "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow". His books have been translated into more than 50 languages and have been sold over 27 million copies worldwide.
  2. 2
    41
    votes
    David McCullough - he is an American historian and author who has won two Pulitzer Prizes for his biographies of Harry S. Truman and John Adams. His other books include "The Wright Brothers" and "1776". He has also narrated several documentaries, including "The Civil War".
    David McCullough in other rankings
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    Niall Ferguson is he is a Scottish historian and author who has written several books on economic history and international relations. His books include "The Ascent of Money" and "Civilization: The West and the Rest". He has also presented several documentaries, including "Empire" and "Civilization".
    Niall Ferguson in other rankings
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    Simon Schama is he is a British historian and author who has written several books on British and European history. His books include "A History of Britain" and "The Embarrassment of Riches". He has also presented several documentaries, including "The Power of Art".
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    Dan Carlin is he is an American journalist and podcaster who hosts the podcast "Hardcore History". His podcast covers a wide range of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to modern wars. He has been praised for his engaging storytelling and in-depth research.
    Dan Carlin in other rankings
  6. 6
    18
    votes
    Peter Frankopan is he is a British historian and author who has written several books on the history of the Silk Road and the Middle East. His books include "The Silk Roads" and "The New Silk Roads". He has been praised for his ability to connect historical events to modern-day issues.
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Mary Beard is she is a British classicist and author who has written several books on ancient Rome and Greece. Her books include "SPQR" and "Women & Power". She has also presented several documentaries, including "Meet the Romans". She has been praised for her ability to make ancient history accessible to a wider audience.
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    Robert Caro
    Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0
    Robert Caro - he is an American journalist and author who has written several biographies of American political figures, including Lyndon B. Johnson and Robert Moses. His books include "The Power Broker" and "Master of the Senate". He has won several awards for his work, including two Pulitzer Prizes.
    Robert Caro in other rankings
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Jon Meacham
    Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0
    Jon Meacham is he is an American historian and author who has written several books on American history and politics. His books include "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power" and "Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush". He has also served as a commentator on several news programs, including MSNBC and CNN.
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Antony Beevor
    Bjørn Erik Pedersen · CC BY 2.5
    Antony Beevor is he is a British historian and author who has written several books on World War II and the Spanish Civil War. His books include "Stalingrad" and "The Battle for Spain". He has been praised for his ability to bring historical events to life through vivid storytelling.

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Ranking factors for popular historian

  1. Expertise and Knowledge
    The historian should have a deep understanding of their subject matter, demonstrate extensive research skills, and present their findings with accuracy and credibility.
  2. Impact and Influence
    Consider the historian's contributions to the field, such as groundbreaking research, insightful interpretations, or the development of new historical methodologies. The impact can be measured by citations, awards, recognition from peers, and influence on other historians or the broader public.
  3. Publications and Research Output
    The quantity and quality of the historian's published works, including books, articles, and other scholarly contributions, are important indicators of their expertise and influence. The impact of their publications can be assessed by considering their reach and influence on both academic and general audiences.
  4. Reputation and Recognition
    Assess the historian's standing among their colleagues and in the wider community. Consider factors such as reputation within academic institutions, invitations to speak at conferences or events, and participation in scholarly associations or historical societies.
  5. Public Engagement and Communication
    Evaluate the historian's ability to effectively convey historical knowledge to the general public through media appearances, public lectures, documentaries, or written works aimed at a broader audience. Their skill in presenting complex historical concepts in an accessible manner can contribute to their popularity.
  6. Endorsements and Honors
    Consider any endorsements, awards, or honors received by the historian, which can demonstrate recognition and respect from their peers and the public.
  7. Longevity and Legacy
    Assess the historian's long-term impact and contribution to the field. Evaluating their body of work over time can help determine if they have had a lasting influence on historical scholarship.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular historian. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or historian is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2140 views
  • 201 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each historian once every 24 hours. The rank of each historian is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular historian

History has always been a fascinating subject, with countless stories and events that have shaped human civilization. From ancient empires to modern-day societies, historians have dedicated their lives to studying and interpreting our past. With so many notable figures in the field, it can be challenging to determine who the most popular historian is. However, by analyzing the opinions of scholars, readers, and enthusiasts, we can gain some insights into who is the most beloved and influential historian of our time. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about the subject, this article will explore the top contenders for the title of the most popular historian.

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