Daniel Coit Gilman and the Birth of the American Research University

"Michael T. Benson fleshes out the knowledge surrounding Daniel Coit Gilman by providing the first full-scale biography of Gilman in over 100 years. Given that no single individual is more responsible for what Johns Hopkins University became—and is now—than Gilman, this book contributes to an understanding of the forces that shaped our founding president and, through him, JHU. Historians of higher education should find this book fascinating, as would anyone interested in the early history of Johns Hopkins."

"Michael Benson's fresh biography of Daniel Coit Gilman shows how an inspired president helped to transform the ideal of a great university into a reality with the founding of the Johns Hopkins University."

"Until now, too little has been written about Hopkins' founding president, Daniel Coit Gilman. Now, finally, Michael T. Benson has written the definitive biography of the man who changed our educational paradigm almost single-handedly. With grace, insight, and rich description, Benson takes us along on the travels of Gilman. This book will allow you to rethink the history of the culture, values, and individual creativity that allowed our research universities to produce scholars and scientists of the first rank. It should be read by anyone interested in the history of education and the evolution of American society. You'll find it a treat to read."

"The history of Johns Hopkins University is the history of the modern American research university. And, the architect of that modern university was Johns Hopkins President, Daniel Coit Gilman. Michael Benson has written a much-needed biography of Dr. Gilman, while at the same time providing a very insightful history into the growth and development of the American research university. This may be a biography about Gilman but, more importantly, it also represents a critical contribution to the history of higher education in twentieth century America."

"In his latest book, Benson chronicles the life of a true pioneer in American Higher Education. In doing so, he tells the story of one of our country's great universities and shows how its emergence after the Civil War helped transform the educational landscape. Readers will appreciate the chance to learn about Daniel Coit Gilman's life and his leadership, and they will come away with new insights regarding research universities and how they can – and must – adapt to society's changing needs and interests."

"For those who might be curious about how our American Research Universities evolved to become the best in the world, the history of Daniel Coit Gilman's rise to the presidency of Johns Hopkins and his visionary leadership are key to setting the stage for the evolution of research and creative activities as integral parts of American higher education."

"Michael T. Benson has brought to life Daniel Coit Gilman and his extraordinary impact on American higher education and shows how, more so than at any other university, Johns Hopkins University's early graduates shaped the academy as it entered the 20th century. Benson's impressive biography is a welcome addition to our understanding of a most unique institution: the American research university."