Jacques Barzun (1907–2012) was a French-American historian, cultural critic, and educator. He is known for his work in the fields of history of ideas, education, and cultural history. Barzun had a long and distinguished academic career, serving as a professor at Columbia University for nearly five decades and becoming a prominent voice in intellectual circles. His scholarship was broad and interdisciplinary, and he authored more than thirty books on a wide range of subjects, including music, literature, education, and historical method. Barzun was particularly respected for his insights into the role and transformation of culture in Western society. One of his best-known works is "From Dawn to Decadence: 1500 to the Present," a sweeping narrative that traces the rise and decline of Western cultural life over five centuries. His writings were characterized by a lucid and accessible style, a vast depth of knowledge, and a dedication to understanding the dynamics of cultural change. Barzun's influence extended beyond the academy into popular discourse, where he contributed to discussions on education reform and the state of contemporary culture.