Greatest American political scientist of 20th century

OBITUARIES: "Samuel P. Huntington, 81, Political Scientist, Is Dead," by Tamar Lewin, New York Times, 29 December 2008.

First (and just about only prof) at Harvard who didn't return my papers with question marks and "huh?'s in the margins. Instead, he offered excited comments and compliments and questions and encouragement. My one class with him was the comparative politics graduate survey co-taught by Bob Putnam.

Huntington was the first poli sci guy in grad school who made me feel like I had a chance of doing something useful in the field--the first prof who really seemed to "get" me.

And that meant a lot to a 24-year-old grad student. I can't tell you how much relief his feedback generated.

Later thrill: helping bring him to CNA after his "Clash" article. He was always so gracious at moments like that. It's something I try to follow in similar F2F situations.

Comments

[William R. Cumming]

Interesting post and glad you survived the Harvard "deadwood" and had Huntington at least once. Clearly very very influential thinker whatever you thought about his positions. Keep thinking out of the box as is more needed than ever now.

[Patrick]

Would have liked you have to a attended a talk with the three-legged stool of Huntington-Friedman-Barnett.

Best wishes for the New Year.