"Worthington Chauncey Ford (1858-1941) was descended from a long line of intellectuals, including Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony, President Charles Chauncey of Harvard College, and the eminent lexicographer Noah Webster, so it was not surprising that he chose a career dedicated to historical investigation and learning.

A pioneer in the acquisition of American historical documents, Ford was also the most prolific historian-editor in American history, publishing over 260 articles, essays, and books in his lengthy career. A college dropout, he became one of the nation's most distinguished historians and was elected president of the American Historical Association in 1917.".

"A reference for historians, documentary editors, librarians, archivists, and researchers, this volume recounts the considerable contributions of the "Prince of Editors.""--BOOK JACKET.