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(1800-1891), the most famous American historian, was born in Worcester, Mass., the son of a clergyman. He was graduated from Harvard College and studied extensively in Germany. Returning, he taught, and became active as a Democratic politician. In 1834 he published the first volume of a history of the United States, which speedily attained enormous popularity. The volumes appeared successively from this time to 1882. Under Polk Bancroft was Secretary of the Navy, 1845-46, established the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and caused the seizure of California. From 1846 to 1849 he was Minister to Great Britain; from 1867 to 1874 to Germany. His history is still the most important history of the United States by a single author. The last portion was separately published as a History of the Formation and Adoption of the Constitution. His narrative is learned, picturesque and ardently patriotic.