Kuno Francke (1855-1930) was a German-born educator and historian who made his mark in the United States, particularly at Harvard University. Here's a summary of his life and work:
- Academic Career: Francke spent most of his professional life at Harvard. He rose through the ranks to become a professor of history and German culture. He also held the title of curator of the Germanic Museum at Harvard. [Wikipedia]
- Promoting German Culture: Francke was a champion of German literature and culture in the U.S. His most notable contribution in this area was his editorship of a massive 20-volume collection titled "The German Classics: Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English" (1913-1915). [Wikipedia]
- Impact of World War I: The outbreak of World War I in 1914 and America's entry into the war in 1917 had a negative impact on Francke's career. Anti-German sentiment grew in the U.S., leading to hostility towards his work promoting German culture. His edited collection faced criticism, and his professorship at Harvard became untenable, forcing him to resign. [Wikipedia]
