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(1789-1866), an American historical writer, was graduated at Harvard in 1815, and after a short experience as a Unitarian clergyman, became the editor of the North American Review in 1824; this position he held until 1831. Afterward he was professor in Harvard, and president of that college in 1849-1853. His voluminous works include the edition of the "Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution" in twelve volumes; the writings of Washington with a life, in twelve volumes; the "Library of American Biography" (of which Sparks himself wrote the lives of Arnold, Allen and others), an edition of Franklin's works, and a biography of Gouverneur Morris. His life and letters have been edited by H. B. Adams in 1893.