author
John H. (John Henry) Haaren
1855–1916
Best known for lively history books written for young readers, this American educator helped turn famous figures from Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages into memorable stories. His work aimed to make the past feel clear, human, and engaging for students.
1 Audiobook
Famous Men of the Middle Ages
by John H. (John Henry) Haaren, Addison B. Poland
About the author
Born in New York City on August 13, 1855, John Henry Haaren was an American educator and historian. Sources describe him as the son of a German father and an Irish-English mother, and note that he studied at Columbia University under Nicholas Murray Butler before going on to teach in New York.
Haaren is remembered chiefly for writing accessible history for younger readers. He collaborated with Addison B. Poland on books such as Famous Men of Greece, Famous Men of Rome, and Famous Men of the Middle Ages, works designed to make historical biography vivid and easy to follow.
He died in Brooklyn, New York, on September 23, 1916. Although brief and straightforward in style, his books stayed in circulation for many years and continue to be read through reprints and public-domain editions.