The Discoverers

Daniel Joseph Boorstin (1914–2004) was an American historian, professor at the University of Chicago, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of History and Technology, and the twelfth Librarian of Congress from 1975 to 1987. He authored over 20 books, including the acclaimed Americans trilogy—earning the Bancroft, Parkman, and Pulitzer Prizes—and the Knowledge trilogy starting with the bestseller The Discoverers. Known for consensus history celebrating American exceptionalism, innovators, and entrepreneurs, he collaborated closely with his wife Ruth on works blending storytelling with cultural analysis.