This 1900 biography of Francis Parkman (1823-1893), the great American historian, was written by Parkman's personal secretary and friend. Farnham claims, "The main attraction of [his] subject lies in [Parkman's] picturesque, manly character, his inspiring example of fortitude and perseverance, and his training and achievements as historian." "A rather remarkable piece of literary work," enthused the Nation in a contemporary review. "One of the most honest and admirable of American literary biographies."