Daniel Aaron, 1912-2016

By: Lauren Stachew | Date: May 9, 2016
Daniel Aaron, 1912-2016

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American author, academic, and founder of the Library of America, Daniel Aaron, passed away on April 30, 2016 at the age of 103. Widely regarded as one of the founders of American Studies, his autobiography The Americanist was published by the University of Michigan Press in 2007. Literary critic Harold Bloom writes, “I have read all of Daniel Aaron's books, and admired them, but in The Americanist I believe he has composed an intellectual and social memoir for which he will be remembered.”

Aaron received his BA from the University of Michigan in 1933 and later received a graduate degree from Harvard University, becoming the first Harvard graduate with a degree in “American Civilization.” In 2010, he received the National Humanities Medal for his contributions to American literature and culture. A memorial service for Aaron will be held in the fall at Harvard.