Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Prescott, William Hickling 1796-1859

Historian; born in Salem, Mass., May 4, 1796; grandson of Col. William Prescott; graduated at Harvard College in 1814;

William Hickling Prescott.

adopted a literary rather than a professional career, in consequence of an injury to his eye while in college. In 1824 he commenced contributing to the North American review, and in June, 1826, began his History of Ferdinand and Isabella (3 volumes, 1838). This work placed him in the front rank of historians and was followed by Conquest of Mexico (3 volumes, 1843); Conquest of Peru (2 volumes, 1847); and History of Philip II. of Spain (3 volumes, 1855-58). He intended to add three volumes more, but he did not live to complete them. In 1856 he published Robertson's Charles V., with notes and a supplement. His works have been translated into several European languages. He died in Boston, Jan. 28, 1859.