David H. Pinkney
Encyclopedia
David H. Pinkney was a renowned scholar in French history, author, and emeritus professor of History at the University of Washington
from 1967 until his retirement in 1984.
Pinkney, born in Elyria, Ohio, attended Oberlin College and received his doctorate in history from Harvard University
in 1941. During World War II
, he served in the Office of Strategic Services
and the U.S. Navy. After military service, Pinkney began his long teaching career at the University of Missouri
. In 1966 he moved to the University of Washington where he taught until his retirement in 1984.
Pinkney's accomplishments extend well beyond his teaching career. Over his lifetime he authored five books and multiple articles on French history, specifically the French Revolution
of 1789 and the post-revolution years. Pinkney was one of the co-founders of the Society for French Historical Studies
and held many positions within the society over the years, including president from 1975–76, as well as, member of the Executive Board for twenty-seven years. From 1966 to 1975 he was editor-in-chief for the journal of French Historical Studies. Pinkney received international acclaim for his contributions to French history and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Nantes
. He was elected president of the American Historical Association
in 1980 and actively participated in drafting a new constitution for the organization. He was chosen as fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
in 1984. Today the David H. Pinkney prize for best French history book by an American or Canadian professor is awarded yearly through the Society for French Historical Studies.
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
from 1967 until his retirement in 1984.
Pinkney, born in Elyria, Ohio, attended Oberlin College and received his doctorate in history from Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
in 1941. During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, he served in the Office of Strategic Services
Office of Strategic Services
The Office of Strategic Services was a United States intelligence agency formed during World War II. It was the wartime intelligence agency, and it was a predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency...
and the U.S. Navy. After military service, Pinkney began his long teaching career at the University of Missouri
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
. In 1966 he moved to the University of Washington where he taught until his retirement in 1984.
Pinkney's accomplishments extend well beyond his teaching career. Over his lifetime he authored five books and multiple articles on French history, specifically the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
of 1789 and the post-revolution years. Pinkney was one of the co-founders of the Society for French Historical Studies
Society for French Historical Studies
The Society for French Historical Studies is, along with the Western Society for French History , one of the two primary historical societies devoted to the study of French history headquartered in the United States....
and held many positions within the society over the years, including president from 1975–76, as well as, member of the Executive Board for twenty-seven years. From 1966 to 1975 he was editor-in-chief for the journal of French Historical Studies. Pinkney received international acclaim for his contributions to French history and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Nantes
University of Nantes
The University of Nantes is a well-known French university, located in the city of Nantes. Currently, it is attended by approximately 34,000 students. 10% of them are international students coming from 110 countries.-History:...
. He was elected president of the American Historical Association
American Historical Association
The American Historical Association is the oldest and largest society of historians and professors of history in the United States. Founded in 1884, the association promotes historical studies, the teaching of history, and the preservation of and access to historical materials...
in 1980 and actively participated in drafting a new constitution for the organization. He was chosen as fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
American Academy of Arts and Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an independent policy research center that conducts multidisciplinary studies of complex and emerging problems. The Academy’s elected members are leaders in the academic disciplines, the arts, business, and public affairs.James Bowdoin, John Adams, and...
in 1984. Today the David H. Pinkney prize for best French history book by an American or Canadian professor is awarded yearly through the Society for French Historical Studies.