Many scholars consider Jared Sparks the first great editor of American history and compiler of national records. His ambitious travels and persistence opened up many resources for historians. His reliance on primary sources and work at Harvard University furthered the writing and study of professional history. Although questions remain about some of his editorial methods, Sparks helped make the facts of history public property. No less important for American letters and culture, he made writing a more viable profession in America: simply put, Sparks made writing pay. He managed to publish more than sixty volumes, many of which sold well, without much patronage or institutional support.

Jared Sparks was born on 10 May 1789 in Willington, Connecticut, to Eleanor Orcutt. Joseph Sparks, generally presumed to be Jared's father, married Eleanor on 24 December of that year. The family struggled economically, and at six years of age Jared was sent to live...