Roy Basler Quotes
- Historian
- USA
- 1906
Roy Basler (1906-1989) was an American historian and editor, best known for his work on the life and writings of Abraham Lincoln. He was born in Indiana and received his education at Indiana University and the University of Chicago. Basler’s most notable achievement was his role as editor of &…Read More
Roy Basler (1906-1989) was an American historian and editor, best known for his work on the life and writings of Abraham Lincoln. He was born in Indiana and received his education at Indiana University and the University of Chicago. Basler’s most notable achievement was his role as editor of “The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln,” a 9-volume set that compiled all of Lincoln’s speeches, letters, and other writings. This monumental project took over 25 years to complete and is considered the definitive collection of Lincoln’s works. Basler also wrote several books on Lincoln, including “Abraham Lincoln: His Speeches and Writings” and “The Lincoln Legend: A Study in Changing Conceptions.” He was a respected authority on Lincoln and his works continue to be referenced by scholars and historians. Basler’s dedication to preserving and studying the legacy of Abraham Lincoln has solidified his place as a prominent figure in American history.Read Less
Roy Basler (1906-1989) was an American historian and editor, best known for his work on the life and writings of Abraham Lincoln. He was born in Indiana and received his education at Indiana University and the University of Chicago. Basler’s most notable achievement was his role as editor of “The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln,” a 9-volume set that compiled all of Lincoln’s speeches, letters, and other writings. This monumental project took over 25 years to complete and is considered the definitive collection of Lincoln’s works. Basler also wrote several books on Lincoln, including “Abraham Lincoln: His Speeches and Writings” and “The Lincoln Legend: A Study in Changing Conceptions.” He was a respected authority on Lincoln and his works continue to be referenced by scholars and historians. Basler’s dedication to preserving and studying the legacy of Abraham Lincoln has solidified his place as a prominent figure in American history.
Roy Basler Career Highlights
- Basler received his Bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1928 and his Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1929.
- In 1931, he began working at the Library of Congress as an assistant in the Manuscript Division, where he would spend the majority of his career.
- In 1939, Basler was appointed as the editor of the Abraham Lincoln Association’s journal, The Abraham Lincoln Quarterly, a position he held until 1948.
- In 1945, Basler was chosen to edit the Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, a project that would consume the rest of his career.
- Basler’s edition of the Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln was published in eight volumes between 1953 and 1955, and is considered the most comprehensive and authoritative collection of Lincoln’s writings.
- In 1956, Basler was appointed as the director of the Abraham Lincoln Association, a position he held until his retirement in 1971.
- Basler also served as the president of the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia and the Lincoln Fellowship of Wisconsin.
Key Contributions by Roy Basler
- Basler’s most significant contribution was his work on the Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. He spent over 30 years researching and editing the collection, which includes over 20,000 documents written by or to Lincoln.
- Basler’s edition of the Collected Works is known for its accuracy and attention to detail, and it has been praised by historians and scholars for its comprehensive coverage of Lincoln’s life and presidency.
- Basler also wrote several books and articles on Lincoln, including “The Lincoln Legend: A Study in Changing Conceptions” and “Lincoln and the Illinois Central Railroad.”
- He was a founding member of the Abraham Lincoln Association and played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Lincoln’s legacy.
What Sets Roy Basler Apart
- Basler’s dedication and passion for preserving Lincoln’s legacy set him apart from other historians. He spent his entire career focused on this goal, and his work has had a lasting impact on the study of American history.
- Basler’s attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in his research and editing of the Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln also set him apart. His work has been praised for its thoroughness and reliability.
- Basler’s extensive knowledge of Lincoln and his era, as well as his expertise in archival research, made him a respected authority on the subject.
Takeaways
- Roy Basler’s career highlights the importance of preserving and promoting historical legacies. His dedication to preserving Lincoln’s legacy has allowed future generations to have a comprehensive understanding of one of America’s most influential presidents.
- Basler’s work also highlights the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in historical research. His meticulous editing of the Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln has set the standard for future editions and has been a valuable resource for historians.
- Basler’s passion and commitment to his work serve as an inspiration for those in the field of history, reminding us of the impact that one individual can have on preserving and promoting our shared history.