Michael T. Benson

Jonathan R. Cole, John Mitchell Mason Professor of the University, Provost and Dean of Faculties, Columbia University (1989-2003): “With the opening of Johns Hopkins University in 1876, a century after Independence, the American research university was born. The force behind the great transformation was Hopkins’ founding President, Daniel Coit Gilman. Until now too little has been written about Gilman. Now, finally, Michael T. Benson has written the definitive biography of the man who changed… Show more

Jonathan R. Cole, John Mitchell Mason Professor of the University, Provost and Dean of Faculties, Columbia University (1989-2003): “With the opening of Johns Hopkins University in 1876, a century after Independence, the American research university was born. The force behind the great transformation was Hopkins’ founding President, Daniel Coit Gilman. Until now too little has been written about Gilman. Now, finally, Michael T. Benson has written the definitive biography of the man who changed our educational paradigm almost single-handedly. Gilman started the revolution.

With grace, insight, and rich description, Benson takes us along on the travels of Gilman. This book will allow you to rethink the history of the culture, values, and individual creativity that allowed our research universities to produce scholars and scientists of the first rank. Many of these people made pathbreaking, innovative, and useful discoveries produced at our universities from the last quarter of the 19th century until today. This book should be read by anyone interested in the history of education and the evolution of American society. You’ll find it a treat to read.”

Mary Sue Coleman, President Emerita, University of Michigan (2002-14, 2022) and Association of American Universities (2016-2020): “Michael T. Benson has brought to life Daniel Coit Gilman and his extraordinary impact on American higher education. As the founding president of Johns Hopkins University, Gilman set into motion features that are integral to today’s research university: graduate fellowships, an academic press, academic journals and learned societies, and the training of exceptional scholars. Benson shows how, more so than any other university, the early graduates of JHU shaped the academy as it entered the 20th century. Benson’s impressive biography is a welcome addition to our understanding of a most unique institution: the American research university.” Show less

College for the Commonwealth: A Case for Higher Education in American Democracy
Foreword by E. Gordon Gee

“Benson and Boyd present a convincing case for why higher education needs and deserves
public support. From practical examples they demonstrate how investment in higher
education enables a society to rise to the opportunities presented by the future. Their
argument is focused on Kentucky, but its lessons are as applicable to the United States as a
whole.” —Daniel… Show more

College for the Commonwealth: A Case for Higher Education in American Democracy
Foreword by E. Gordon Gee

“Benson and Boyd present a convincing case for why higher education needs and deserves
public support. From practical examples they demonstrate how investment in higher
education enables a society to rise to the opportunities presented by the future. Their
argument is focused on Kentucky, but its lessons are as applicable to the United States as a
whole.” —Daniel Walker Howe, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of What Hath God Wrought:The
Transformation of America, 1815-1848

In the past decade, states across the nation have cut higher education spending per
student by more than 15 percent. Kentucky has experienced some of the largest cuts in
the country, leading many to claim that higher education is in a state of crisis. In spite
of this turmoil, however, Kentucky’s remarkable institutions of higher education stand
more capable than ever to prepare new generations for the challenges and opportunities
of their time.

College for the Commonwealth illustrates how colleges and universities are
the sustaining lifeblood of civil society and that when these vital institutions are
underfunded, both the community and economy suffer. Michael T. Benson and Hal
R. Boyd examine the historical origins of higher education in America and analyze
the benefits of postsecondary education through the lens of Kentucky. Presented
as a practical yet persuasive look at why America needs thoughtful reinvestment in
its colleges and universities, this study details how helping students can help sustain
a healthy, democratic social fabric while bolstering the modern economy. Gathering
examples and offering solutions for postsecondary institutions, this work serves as a call
to action and a roadmap for educators, administrators, and government officials.

156 pages ∙ 6 x 9
ISBN 978-0-8131-7659-8 ∙ Cloth $35.00
ISBN 978-0-8131-7661-1 ∙ PDF
ISBN 978-0-8131-7660-4 ∙ EPUB

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Author, Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel (Praeger, 1997)
Project descriptionEndorsements of Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel:

“A worthwhile and interesting book which makes a strong case for Harry S. Truman's moral considerations in deciding to recognize Israel. Benson’s research and writing are exemplary.”

--Robert Dallek, Professor Emeritus, UCLA; author of The American Style of Foreign Policy: Cultural Politics and Foreign Affairs

“Michael Benson… Show more

Author, Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel (Praeger, 1997)
Project descriptionEndorsements of Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel:

“A worthwhile and interesting book which makes a strong case for Harry S. Truman's moral considerations in deciding to recognize Israel. Benson’s research and writing are exemplary.”

--Robert Dallek, Professor Emeritus, UCLA; author of The American Style of Foreign Policy: Cultural Politics and Foreign Affairs

“Michael Benson shows the relevance of religion and moral principle to the shaping of an American foreign policy.”

--Daniel Walker Howe, Rhodes Professor of American History Emeritus, University of Oxford; winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848

“Benson’s enthralling narrative captures the drama of high politics while richly portraying the human greatness of Harry Truman. A salutary work which will enlighten and move the reader.”

--Noah Lucas, Emeritus Fellow Oxford Centre for Hebrew & Jewish Studies

“Benson’s closely reasoned and densely documented work is a major contribution to and understanding of the Truman administration, as well as modern American political history.”

--Dennis Lythgoe, Deseret News

See project Author, Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel (Praeger, 1997) Show less