Contributors / John Van Horne

John Van Horne

Director, Library Company of Philadelphia

John C. Van Horne has since 1985 been the Director of the Library Company of Philadelphia. Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731 as the first American subscription library, the Library Company is today an independent research library with extensive collections of rare books documenting all aspects of American history through the end of the 19th century. Dr. Van Horne was educated at Princeton University and the University of Virginia, where he received his Ph.D. in 1979. Prior to his appointment to the Library Company he was editor of The Papers of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, a multi-volume edition of the writings and drawings of America’s first professional architect and engineer. Dr. Van Horne lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania with his wife and daughter.

 

Contribution

    Du Pratz’s History of Louisiana

    Lewis's reference book

    by

    What was it about du Pratz’s History of Louisiana that so interested Lewis? The book not only provided geographical information, it was the model that Lewis and Clark were to follow when reporting to President Jefferson.

Discover More

  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
  • The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
  • The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.