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Department ofHistory

Stories

A man with glasses against a brick wall background.

A man with glasses against a brick wall background.

Thomas Bender, Class of 1966

In addition to being an exceptionally generous alumnus, Thomas Bender has been one of the most influential historians in this country. He insisted that American history not be taught or understood in isolation, but within the context of the larger world. Some of his most significant books include A Nation Among Nations: America’s Place in World History, and his edited collection Rethinking American History in a Global Age. In 2015 he retired from his position as University Professor of the Humanities at New York University. His influence continues to spread beyond academia as he regularly contributes to publications including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and The Nation.  

Thomas Bender recently retired after an illustrious career as a professor of history at New York University