author
John Guy Vassar
1811–1888
A widely traveled 19th-century American writer and philanthropist, he turned years of firsthand travel into a lively account of journeys across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. He is also remembered as part of the Vassar family of Poughkeepsie, closely connected with the institutions that shaped the city.
1 Audiobook
Twenty years around the world
by John Guy Vassar
About the author
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, on June 15, 1811, John Guy Vassar was a member of the prominent Vassar family and a nephew of Matthew Vassar, founder of Vassar College. He became known both for his philanthropy and for his long travels abroad, and he died in Poughkeepsie on October 27, 1888.
His best-known book, Twenty Years Around the World (1861), draws on extensive travel and offers a 19th-century American reader's view of many parts of the globe. The work helped preserve his reputation as a curious, energetic observer who wrote from experience rather than from hearsay.
Beyond his writing, Vassar was associated with major civic and charitable efforts in his hometown. He served as one of the trustees of Vassar College, and he is also linked with the family philanthropy behind Vassar Brothers Hospital, reflecting a life shaped by travel, public spirit, and deep ties to Poughkeepsie.