Simon Schama

Sir Simon Schama is a British historian, writer, and broadcaster known for his engaging storytelling and expertise in art, culture, and history. Born in London, he studied at Christ’s College, Cambridge, where he later became a fellow. He gained recognition with his early works on Dutch history, including "The Embarrassment of Riches," and his acclaimed "Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution," which offered a vivid reinterpretation of the revolution’s complexities. His work bridges academia and popular history, making complex historical narratives accessible and compelling to a broad audience.

Schama has written extensively on diverse historical subjects, from art and Jewish history to American identity. His "History of Britain" series -- both a book and a BBC documentary -- brought him widespread public recognition. He later explored Jewish history in "The Story of the Jews" and examined the role of art in "The Power of Art." His dynamic narrative style has made him a popular public intellectual, contributing regularly to The New Yorker and other publications.

A professor at Columbia University since 1993, Schama has received numerous accolades for his scholarship and broadcasting, including the Wolfson History Prize and the Leo Gershoy Award. In 2019, he was awarded a knighthood for services to history at Buckingham Palace.