WALTER DEAN BURNHAM: In Memory and Appreciation

Dean Burnham, who died in San Antonio October at the age of ninety-two, was an active and enthusiastic supporter this journal from its inception. His loss deprives editors managing his energetic assiduous counsel, especially regarding any writings or commentaries devoted to political parties, elections, realignments, polling, deep literature on evolution American democracy originalist founding days rise reactionary recent presidents.Because originally housed MIT, it both convenient illuminating stroll into Burnham’s office ask opinion about a submission idea for special issue, request advice some aspect European development. Burnham would always answer precise questions then, unprompted, provide context compendium intellectual discourse related inquiry. He integral growth JIH formative years, ever since.A student Harvard University’s V.O. Key, 1965 published defining article declining voter turnout, “The Changing Shape Political Universe,” Science Review. Among many seminal books were Critical Elections Mainsprings Politics (1970), Democracy Making: Government (1986), Voting Elections: The Shaping Universe Since 1788 (2009). In 2014, he co-wrote—with Thomas Ferguson, former student—“Americans Are Sick Death Both Parties: Why Our Worse Than We Thought,” study 2014 elections. also commented print 2016 “change election” that brought Donald Trump presidency. As New York Times’ obituary indicated, “one most influential scientists generation.” contributions path-breaking article, “Those High Nineteenth-Century Turnouts: Fact Fiction?” XVI 613–644.Before joining MIT science department 1971, had taught Boston University, Kenyon College, Haverford Washington University. 1988, departed University Texas, Austin. students there as breadth learning clever wit those been.Burnham profoundly interdisciplinary interests, discourse, approach social history. extolled craft translating compelling theories concepts accessible articles books, thus contributing mightily fashioning qualitative uplifting decades. JIH’s readers will sadly miss profound insights unparalleled wisdom.