Fergus Bordewich

Fergus M. Bordewich is an American historian, journalist, and author. He was born in San Francisco on March 16, 1946, and is best known for his biographical and narrative works. His extensive research into American history and culture have resulted in several notable books, including America’s Great Debate: Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and the Compromise that Preserved the Union, which won the 2011 Ambassador Book Award in the category of History.

Bordewich’s focus on narrative non-fiction started at a young age, when he wrote short stories and essays. The themes he studied included politics, ethics, and philosophy. He earned his PhD in History from Stanford University in 1979 and went on to pursue a career as a professional journalist and historian. During his career, he has written for numerous media outlets including Time, Washington Post, and Smithsonian Magazine.

Bordewich’s most recognized work is America’s Great Debate: Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and the Compromise that Preserved the Union, published in 2011. The book recounts the historical events that led up to the Great Debate between Henry Clay and Stephen A. Douglas in 1858, which became known as the “Great Compromise." Through his research, Bordewich was able to recreate the debate in vivid detail, showing how the compromise both preserved the Union and laid the groundwork for the Civil War. By focusing on the politics and personalities of the age, Bordewich created a narrative that was both engaging and informative.

Bordewich has also written several historical fiction works, among them A Year with the Westward Movement, which follows two families on a journey with the pioneers in 1846. This story captures the struggles, joys, and humor of the journey, while also providing valuable insight into the experience of women in the West at the time.

Bordewich’s writing has been praised for its accuracy and insight. In addition to the Ambassador Book Award in History, he has also been recognized with numerous other awards, including the Scripps Howard Award for Public Service Journalism. In addition, he served as an Editor for the Best American History Essays in 2012.

Fergus Bordewich’s extent of knowledge and research regarding American history has earned him tremendous respect among his peers. He is known for his ability to distill dense historical events into compelling, readable stories, as well as for his dedication to accuracy and nuance. In addition, his passion for storytelling and its ability to both entertain and educate has created a lasting impact on the literary world.