Martin Ridge (May 7, 1923 – September 22, 2003) was an American historian and director of research at theHuntington Library.[1][2] He is particularly known for the 1982 5th edition of "Westward expansion: a history of the American frontier" co-authored withRay Allen Billington.[3][4]
Born and raised inChicago, Ridge attended Francis W Parker School. He wanted to become an elementary school teacher, and obtained his BEd at the Chicago Teachers College, nowChicago State University in 1943. After serving in theUnited States Merchant Marine in World War II, he continued his studies atNorthwestern University, where he obtained his PhD in 1951 underRay Allen Billington with the thesis,Ignatius Donnelly: The Making of a Tribune. In 1962 the work was revised and expanded, and was published asIgnatius Donnelly: Portrait of a Politician.[1]
After graduation in 1951 Ridge embarked upon his academic career as lecturer atWestminster College. In 1955 he moved toSan Diego State University; from 1966 to 1977 he taught atIndiana University, where he edited theJournal of American History. In 1977 he moved to southern California when he was appointed director of research atHuntington Library, and joined theCalifornia Institute of Technology faculty. Ridge served at the Huntington Library until his retirement in 1993, and at Caltech until 1995.[1]
Ridge was editor of theJournal of American History (JAH) from 1966 to 1978. He was awarded aGuggenheim Fellowships in 1965. He co-founded theWestern History Association in 1961 and served as its president.[1]
Articles, a selection:
