Goldsmith Book Prize
1 appearances
-
Edition 5 (1998) Winner
Richard Norton Smith
リチャード・ノートン・スミス
Richard Norton Smith
Profile
- Gender
- Male
- Born
- 1953-10-02 （Leominster, Massachusetts, United States）
- Nationality
- American
- Languages
- English
Career
- Occupations
- historian, biographer, curator, museum director
- Active Years
- 1975-
- Affiliations
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (West Branch, Iowa), Dwight D. Eisenhower Center (Abilene, Kansas), Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (Simi Valley, California), Gerald R. Ford Museum and Library (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics (University of Kansas, Lawrence), Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, Illinois)
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Harvard College / Faculty of Arts and Sciences | Government / Political Science | BA | 1971–1975 | United States |
Harvard University
Harvard College / Faculty of Arts and Sciences
/ Government / Political Science
Degree:
BA
Period:
1971–1975
Year of Graduation:
1975
Country:
United States
Graduated magna cum laude
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Pulitzer Prize (finalist) | Thomas E. Dewey and His Times | — | Pulitzer Prize Board / Columbia University | Finalist |
| 1998 | Goldsmith Book Prize | The Colonel: The Life and Legend of Robert R. McCormick | — | John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University | Winner |
Pulitzer Prize (finalist)
1983
Work:
Thomas E. Dewey and His Times
Organization:
Pulitzer Prize Board / Columbia University
Result:
Finalist
Goldsmith Book Prize
1998
Work:
The Colonel: The Life and Legend of Robert R. McCormick
Organization:
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Result:
Winner
Awards & Nominations
Works
Major Works
Thomas E. Dewey and His Times
1982 History / BiographyA biography of Thomas E. Dewey that examines his life and political influence in the mid-20th century, placing his career in historical context.
American political historyElections and partiesIndividual leadership
Uncommon Man: The Triumph of Herbert Hoover
1984 History / BiographyA biography reassessing Herbert Hoover's political life and achievements, portraying both successes and setbacks.
Presidential historyAssessment of leadership
Patriarch: George Washington and the New American Nation
1993 History / BiographyA biography discussing George Washington's character and leadership and their role in forming the early United States.
Founding-era historyLeadership and ethics
The Colonel: The Life and Legend of Robert R. McCormick
1997 History / BiographyA biography of conservative newspaper magnate Robert R. McCormick, examining his life and influence and the relationship between media and politics.
Media historyConservative politics
On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller
2014 History / BiographyA major biography of Nelson Rockefeller based on 14 years of research, detailing his roles in business, politics, and culture.
Power and wealthPersonal histories of politicians
An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford
2023 History / BiographyA reassessment of Gerald R. Ford's character and presidency, focusing on his decisions and legacy.
Presidential decision-makingRehabilitation and reconciliation
Bibliography
- Thomas E. Dewey and His Times (1982)
- Uncommon Man: The Triumph of Herbert Hoover (1984)
- Patriarch: George Washington and the New American Nation (1993)
- The Colonel: The Life and Legend of Robert R. McCormick (1997)
- On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller (2014)
- An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford (2023)
Style & Themes
- Literary Style
- Narrative, archival-research-based styleBiographical focus with attention to psychological portraiture
- Recurring Motifs
- Leadership and exercise of powerAmerican presidents and nation-buildingMedia and politics
Legacy
A historian known for his work on American presidents and political biographies. Long active in directing presidential libraries and museums, contributing to public history and popular historical education.
Museums
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum West Branch, Iowa
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Simi Valley, California
- Gerald R. Ford Museum and Library Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Springfield, Illinois
Trivia
- He spent 14 years researching his Nelson Rockefeller biography and said he invested about $250,000 of his own money.
- His book 'Thomas E. Dewey and His Times' was a finalist for the 1983 Pulitzer Prize.
- 'The Colonel' won the Goldsmith Book Prize in 1998.
- Delivered a eulogy at Gerald Ford's funeral and spoke at Betty Ford's burial.
- Founded Presidents and Patriots History Tours, leading public historical tours focused on U.S. presidents.