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Donald Creighton: A Life in History

Jeff Foster

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Donald Creighton was one of Canada's most distinguished historians. He was born in 1902 in Toronto, Ontario, and he died in 1979. Creighton was a prolific writer, and he published over 20 books and numerous articles on Canadian history. He was also a gifted teacher, and he taught at the University of Toronto for over 30 years. Creighton's work has had a profound impact on Canadian historiography, and he is considered to be one of the most important Canadian historians of the 20th century.

Donald Creighton: A Life in History

by Donald A. Wright

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Creighton was the son of a Presbyterian minister, and he grew up in a devout religious environment. He attended the University of Toronto, where he studied history and political science. After graduating, he worked as a journalist for a time, but he soon returned to academia. In 1931, he was appointed to the faculty of the University of Toronto, where he taught for the rest of his career.

Creighton's research interests were wide-ranging, but he was particularly interested in the history of Canadian nationalism and the development of Canadian foreign policy. His most famous work is The Empire of the St. Lawrence, a three-volume history of Canada from the French regime to the end of the 19th century. Creighton's work was groundbreaking in its time, and it helped to shape the way that Canadians understand their own history.

Creighton was also a gifted teacher, and he was known for his wit and his ability to connect with students. He was a popular lecturer, and his courses were always well-attended. Creighton was also a generous mentor to his students, and he helped many of them to become successful historians in their own right.

Creighton's work has had a lasting impact on Canadian historiography. He was one of the first historians to argue that Canada was a distinct nation with its own unique history. He also helped to pioneer the use of social and economic history in the study of Canadian history. Creighton's work is still widely read and studied today, and he is considered to be one of the most important Canadian historians of the 20th century.

Legacy

Donald Creighton's legacy is immense. He was one of the most influential Canadian historians of the 20th century, and his work has had a profound impact on the way that Canadians understand their own history. Creighton was a gifted writer, a gifted teacher, and a generous mentor. He was a true pioneer in the field of Canadian history, and his work will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come.

In addition to his written work, Creighton also left behind a legacy of students and colleagues who continue to shape the study of Canadian history. His students include some of the most prominent historians in Canada today, and they continue to carry on his tradition of excellence in scholarship and teaching.

Donald Creighton was a giant in the field of Canadian history, and his legacy will continue to inspire and inform historians for generations to come.

Donald Creighton: A Life in History

by Donald A. Wright

5 out of 5