Eric Foner is a historian specializing in the Civil War and Reconstruction, slavery, and nineteenth-century America. His research analyzes the intersections of intellectual, political, and social history, as well as the history of American race relations. In addition to his writings, Foner has curated several museum exhibitions, including “A House Divided: America in the Age of Lincoln” (Chicago Historical Society) and “America’s Reconstruction: People and Politics after the Civil War” (Virginia Historical Society).
Professional positions
- 1982–present: Full professor (1982–1988) and DeWitt Clinton Professor (1988–2018, emeritus 2018–present) of History, Columbia University
- 1973–1982: Professor of history, City University of New York
Notable publications
- Foner, Eric. 2010. The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.
- Foner, Eric. 1998. The Story of American Freedom. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.
- Foner, Eric, and John A. Garraty, eds. 1990. The Reader’s Companion to American History. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
- Foner, Eric. 1988. Reconstruction: America’s Unfinished Revolution, 1863–1877. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.
Degrees
- PhD, history, Columbia University
- BA, history, Oriel College, University of Oxford
- BA, history, Columbia University
