Simon Schama

Simon Schama
Name	Simon Schama
Caption	Schama in 2014
Birth date	13 February 1945
Birth place	London, England
Occupation	Historian, author, television presenter
Nationality	British
Alma mater	Christ's College, Cambridge
Notableworks	A History of Britain, Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution, The Embarrassment of Riches
Spouse	Virginia Papaioannou (m. 2004), Ginny (m. 1974–1991; divorced)

Simon Schama is a renowned British historian, author, and television presenter, celebrated for his narrative-driven approach to history and his prolific output across print and broadcast media. A professor at Columbia University in New York City, he has authored seminal works on Dutch, French, and British history, blending rigorous scholarship with accessible prose. His landmark BBC television series, most notably A History of Britain, have brought historical scholarship to a global audience, establishing him as a preeminent public intellectual.

Early life and education

Born in London to Jewish parents of Lithuanian and Turkish-Jewish descent, his family background was steeped in the mercantile and intellectual traditions of the Ashkenazi diaspora. He spent his early childhood in Essex before his family relocated to the Haringey district of North London. Schama won a scholarship to Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, an independent school in Elstree, where his academic prowess became evident. He subsequently read history at Christ's College, Cambridge, studying under the influential historian J. H. Plumb and graduating with a starred first. His doctoral research, conducted at Cambridge University, focused on the Dutch Republic in the era of the Patriot Revolt, foreshadowing his lifelong fascination with the Netherlands.

Career

Schama began his academic career as a fellow and tutor at Cambridge University before accepting a professorship at Brasenose College, Oxford. In 1980, he moved to Harvard University, joining its prestigious history department. A pivotal career shift occurred in 1993 when he was appointed professor of art history and history at Columbia University, a position he has held since, also serving as a contributing editor for The New Yorker magazine. His career is distinguished by a seamless movement between academia and public engagement, writing for publications like The Guardian and Financial Times, and serving on the editorial board of The New York Review of Books. He was a trustee of the National Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts.

Historical works and themes

Schama's oeuvre is characterized by its thematic breadth and vivid narrative style, often focusing on the intersection of culture, politics, and identity. His breakthrough work, The Embarrassment of Riches, is a seminal study of Dutch culture during the Republic's golden age. The acclaimed Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution offered a provocative reinterpretation of the French Revolution, challenging Marxist and Whiggish narratives. His monumental A History of Britain trilogy, accompanying the BBC series, spanned from prehistoric times to the premiership of Margaret Thatcher. Later works, such as The Power of Art and The Story of the Jews, demonstrate his enduring interest in visual culture and Jewish history.

Television and media presence

Schama became a household name through his pioneering work with the BBC, where he served as a presenter and writer for major documentary series. A History of Britain (2000–2002) was a landmark in historical television, filmed at locations like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. This was followed by other acclaimed series including The Power of Art, which profiled artists like Caravaggio and Van Gogh, and The Story of the Jews. His distinctive narrative voice and on-screen presence have also featured in productions for PBS in the United States and collaborations with institutions like the British Museum.

Awards and honours

Schama has received numerous accolades for his contributions to history and broadcasting. He was appointed a CBE in the 2001 Birthday Honours and was knighted in the 2018 Birthday Honours for services to history and art. His literary awards include the Wolfson Prize for History for Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Landscape and Memory. He is a fellow of the British Academy and the Royal Society of Literature, and holds honorary doctorates from universities including the University of Cambridge and Oxford.

Personal life

Schama has been married twice; first to geneticist Ginny Schama, with whom he has two children, and subsequently to actress and playwright Virginia Papaioannou. He maintains residences in New York City and Briarcliff Manor. An avid supporter of Liverpool F.C., his personal interests extend to art collecting, gardening, and food, themes that frequently permeate his historical writing. He is known as a prominent advocate for liberal causes and has been involved in public debates concerning Israel, antisemitism, and Brexit.

Category:British historians Category:Alumni of Christ's College, Cambridge Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire