📖 Overview
Ellen Fitzpatrick is an American historian and professor at the University of New Hampshire, specializing in modern American political and intellectual history. She has authored multiple acclaimed books examining pivotal moments and movements in U.S. history, with particular focus on women's political participation and social change.
Her 2016 book "The Highest Glass Ceiling: Women's Quest for the American Presidency" explored the historical challenges faced by female presidential candidates, while her work "Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation" provided a unique perspective on the assassination of President Kennedy through the lens of public correspondence.
As a frequent media commentator and public intellectual, Fitzpatrick has appeared on PBS NewsHour, CNN, and other major networks to discuss American political history and contemporary events. Her writing has been featured in The New York Times and other prominent publications.
Beyond her scholarly work, Fitzpatrick has received multiple awards for teaching excellence at the University of New Hampshire, where she holds the position of Professor of History. Her research continues to focus on American political development and the role of women in national politics.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Fitzpatrick's thorough research and clear presentation of complex historical topics. Her book "Letters to Jackie" receives particular appreciation for providing personal perspectives on a national tragedy. One Amazon reviewer noted: "She lets the letters speak for themselves while providing essential context."
Readers value her neutral tone when covering politically charged subjects. Several reviews on Goodreads highlight her ability to present historical facts without obvious bias.
Common criticisms mention dense academic writing that can be challenging for general readers. Some reviewers of "The Highest Glass Ceiling" wanted more detailed analysis of modern campaigns.
Ratings across platforms:
- "Letters to Jackie": 4.5/5 on Amazon (108 reviews), 3.9/5 on Goodreads (376 ratings)
- "The Highest Glass Ceiling": 4.0/5 on Amazon (42 reviews), 3.8/5 on Goodreads (244 ratings)
- "History's Memory": 3.8/5 on Goodreads (12 ratings)
Review volumes suggest her work reaches both academic and general audiences, with stronger engagement for her more recent books focused on women in politics and public responses to historical events.
📚 Books by Ellen Fitzpatrick
History's Memory: Writing About the American Past, 1880-1980 examines how American historians interpreted and wrote about major historical events across a century of historiography.
Letters to Jackie: Condolences From a Grieving Nation presents and analyzes letters of condolence sent to Jacqueline Kennedy following President Kennedy's assassination.
The Highest Glass Ceiling: Women's Quest for the American Presidency chronicles the experiences of three women who pursued presidential campaigns before Hillary Clinton: Victoria Woodhull, Margaret Chase Smith, and Shirley Chisholm.
Muckrakers: How Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair, and Lincoln Steffens Helped Expose Scandal, Inspire Reform, and Invent Investigative Journalism details the impact of Progressive Era journalists who exposed corruption in American business and politics.
The Age of Charisma: Leaders, Followers, and Emotions in American Society, 1870-1940 analyzes the emergence of charismatic leadership in American society during periods of social transformation.
100 Years Upclose: A Photographic History of the University of New Hampshire, 1866-1966 documents the visual history of UNH through archival photographs and historical context.
Letters to Jackie: Condolences From a Grieving Nation presents and analyzes letters of condolence sent to Jacqueline Kennedy following President Kennedy's assassination.
The Highest Glass Ceiling: Women's Quest for the American Presidency chronicles the experiences of three women who pursued presidential campaigns before Hillary Clinton: Victoria Woodhull, Margaret Chase Smith, and Shirley Chisholm.
Muckrakers: How Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair, and Lincoln Steffens Helped Expose Scandal, Inspire Reform, and Invent Investigative Journalism details the impact of Progressive Era journalists who exposed corruption in American business and politics.
The Age of Charisma: Leaders, Followers, and Emotions in American Society, 1870-1940 analyzes the emergence of charismatic leadership in American society during periods of social transformation.
100 Years Upclose: A Photographic History of the University of New Hampshire, 1866-1966 documents the visual history of UNH through archival photographs and historical context.
👥 Similar authors
Doris Kearns Goodwin writes extensively about American presidential history and political leadership through detailed biographical narratives. Her work combines archival research with compelling historical storytelling, similar to Fitzpatrick's approach to examining political figures and movements.
Susan Ware focuses on women's political history and feminism in twentieth-century America through biographical studies. Her examination of female pioneers in politics and society aligns with Fitzpatrick's interest in women's quest for political power.
Jill Lepore investigates American political and intellectual history through both academic and popular writing approaches. She combines scholarly research with accessible narratives about pivotal moments in U.S. history, examining how past events connect to contemporary issues.
Nancy F. Cott examines women's political participation and social movements in American history through detailed archival research. Her work on suffrage and feminist movements provides context for understanding women's evolving role in American politics.
Robert Dallek specializes in presidential history and American foreign policy through comprehensive biographical studies. His research methodology and focus on political leadership parallel Fitzpatrick's examination of significant figures and moments in American political history.
Susan Ware focuses on women's political history and feminism in twentieth-century America through biographical studies. Her examination of female pioneers in politics and society aligns with Fitzpatrick's interest in women's quest for political power.
Jill Lepore investigates American political and intellectual history through both academic and popular writing approaches. She combines scholarly research with accessible narratives about pivotal moments in U.S. history, examining how past events connect to contemporary issues.
Nancy F. Cott examines women's political participation and social movements in American history through detailed archival research. Her work on suffrage and feminist movements provides context for understanding women's evolving role in American politics.
Robert Dallek specializes in presidential history and American foreign policy through comprehensive biographical studies. His research methodology and focus on political leadership parallel Fitzpatrick's examination of significant figures and moments in American political history.