Victor Davis Hanson: Everything You Need To Know About

by
Victor-Hanson

Victor Davis Hanson is a well-known American classicist, military historian, and political commentator, known for his insightful writings on ancient warfare, politics, and contemporary issues. With a career spanning over three decades, Hanson has established himself as a prominent figure in the academic and intellectual circles, earning numerous accolades and recognition for his work.

But beyond his impressive credentials and achievements, what lies beneath the surface of this accomplished individual? In this article, we will talk all about the life and times of Victor Davis Hanson, exploring his personality, early life, educational background, career, family, and net worth, providing a comprehensive look at the man behind the books and lectures.

Who is Victor Davis Hanson

Victor Davis Hanson is an American classicist, military historian, and conservative political commentator. He was born on September 5, 1953, in Fowler, California, and is currently a professor emeritus of classics at California State University, Fresno.

Hanson is also a visiting professor at Hillsdale College and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He is known for his work on ancient warfare and politics, as well as his commentary on contemporary politics and foreign policy.

Hanson has written or edited numerous books on ancient history, including “The Western Way of War,” “The Wars of the Ancient Greeks,” “The Soul of Battle,” “Carnage and Culture,” and “Ripples of Battle.” He has also written several bestselling collections of essays, including “An Autumn of War” and “Between War and Peace.”

We will know more about him in this article:

Biography

Full NameVictor Davis Hanson
Date of BirthSeptember 5, 1953
Place of BirthFowler, California, USA
OccupationHistorian, Classicist, Author, Columnist
EducationB.A. in Classics from University of California, Santa Cruz (1975)
Ph.D. in Classics from Stanford University (1980)
SpecializationMilitary History, Ancient Greece, Warfare
Notable WorksThe Western Way of War (1989)
Carnage and Culture (2001)
The Second World Wars (2017)
Academic PositionsFormer Professor at California State University, Fresno. Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University
AwardsNational Humanities Medal (2007). Bradley Prize (2008)
Personal LifeGrew up on a farm in Selma, California. Married with three children

Early Life and Education

Victor Davis Hanson was born on September 5, 1953, in Fowler, California, USA. He grew up on a farm in Selma, California, where his parents, a school administrator and one of California’s first female judges, instilled in him a strong work ethic. Hanson’s childhood was marked by hard labor, as he and his brothers were expected to work on the farm to help with the family’s agricultural endeavors.

Hanson received his Bachelor of Arts degree in classics from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1975. He then became a fellow at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece, from 1977 to 1978. He later earned his PhD in classics from Stanford University in 1980.

Hanson’s educational background in classics and his experience growing up on a farm have had a significant impact on his work as a historian and writer. His unique perspective on ancient warfare, agrarianism, and classical education has made him a prominent figure in his field.

Family

Victor Davis Hanson was born to William Frank Hanson (1921-1998) and Pauline Georgia Davis (1922-1989). His parents were both from California, and his father’s cousin, for whom he was named, was killed in the Battle of Okinawa.

Victor Davis Hanson is married to Cara Webb, and they have three children together: Pauline, William, and Susannah. Susannah passed away in 2014 at the age of 27.

Media Appearances and Commentary

Victor Davis Hanson has made numerous media appearances and provided commentary on various topics throughout his career. He has been a frequent guest on C-SPAN, appearing in over 20 programs, including Booknotes, After Words, and In Depth. He has also been featured on other TV programs, such as Fox News, CNN, and PBS.

Hanson has written for several publications, including the National Review Online, where he is a weekly columnist. He has also been a syndicated columnist for Tribune Media Services.

Some of his notable media appearances and commentary include:

  • Lectures and presentations: Hanson has given lectures and presentations on various topics, including ancient warfare, politics, and history. He has spoken at institutions such as Kenyon College, Stanford University, and the Hoover Institution.
  • Booknotes and After Words: Hanson has appeared on C-SPAN’s Booknotes and After Words programs, discussing his books and engaging in interviews with authors and journalists.
  • In Depth interviews: Hanson has been featured in C-SPAN’s In Depth series, where he has discussed his work and ideas in-depth.
  • Fox News and CNN appearances: Hanson has appeared on Fox News and CNN, providing commentary on current events and political issues.
  • PBS appearances: Hanson has appeared on PBS programs, including the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.
  • National Review Online columns: Hanson writes a weekly column for the National Review Online, where he discusses politics, history, and culture.
  • Tribune Media Services columns: Hanson has been a syndicated columnist for Tribune Media Services, writing on a wide range of topics.

Career highlights of Victor Davis Hanson

Victor Davis Hanson is a renowned American classicist, military historian, and conservative political commentator. His career highlights include:

  • Being a National Humanities Medal winner in 2007
  • Serving as the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution
  • Being the Wayne & Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History at Hillsdale College
  • Authoring or editing twenty-four books, including “The Case for Trump” (Basic Books, 2019)
  • Writing hundreds of articles, book reviews, and newspaper editorials on Greek, agrarian, and military history, as well as essays on contemporary culture
  • Being a National Endowment for the Humanities fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California (1992-93)
  • Holding a BA in classics from the University of California, Santa Cruz (1975), and a PhD in classics from Stanford University (1980)
  • Serving as a fellow at the American School of Classical Studies, Athens (1977-78)
  • Being a commentator on modern and ancient warfare and contemporary politics for The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Review, The Washington Times, and other media outlets
  • Writing several notable books, including “Fields Without Dreams” (The Free Press 1996), “The Land Was Everything” (The Free Press 2000), “The Soul of Battle” (The Free Press 1999), “A War Like No Other” (Random House 2005), “The Savior Generals” (Bloomsbury 2013), and “Mexifornia” (Encounter 2003)

Related Articles

What are some of the most influential books on ancient warfare written by Victor Davis Hanson?

Victor Davis Hanson has written several influential books on ancient warfare, including:

  • “The Western Way of War: Infantry Battle in Classical Greece” (Alfred A. Knopf, 1995)
  • “The Soul of Battle: From Ancient Times to the Present Day” (The Free Press, 1999)
  • “A War Like No Other: How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War” (Random House, 2005)
  • “The Wars of the Ancient Greeks: From the Battle of Marathon to the Conquests of Alexander the Great” (Smithsonian History of Warfare, 1999)
  • “Ripples of Battle: How Wars of the Past Still Determine How We Fight, How We Live, and How We Think” (Doubleday, 2003)
  • “The Savior Generals: How Five Great Commanders Saved Wars That Were Lost – From Ancient Greece to Iraq” (Bloomsbury, 2013)
  • “The Second World Wars: How the First Global Conflict Was Fought and Won” (Basic Books, 2017)

Victor Davis Hanson Net Worth

Victor Davis Hanson is an American military historian, classicist, and author with a net worth estimated to be between $4 million to $15 million. His net worth is attributed to his various professional endeavors, including his position as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, his numerous published works, and his speaking engagements.

According to some sources, Hanson’s net worth as of 2023 is estimated to be around $5 million, with his primary source of income coming from his various professional endeavors. His wealth is also attributed to his numerous published works and speaking engagements.

Another source estimates his net worth to be around $2 million, citing his role as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and his professor emeritus position at California State University, Fresno.

Yet another source estimates his net worth to be around $10 million, citing his dedication to scholarship, insightful commentaries, and diverse ventures such as farming, which have contributed to his financial prosperity.

People May Ask

Does Victor Davis Hanson have a doctorate?

Yes, Victor Davis Hanson has a PhD from Stanford University.

Where does Victor Davis Hanson live?

Victor Davis Hanson lives on a farm in Selma, California, USA.

Does Victor Davis Hanson have a wife?

Yes, Victor Davis Hanson has been married to his wife for 28 years.