'Landmark' University of Chicago Professor Dies at 98

William H. McNeill, a well-known author, historian and longtime professor at the University of Chicago passed away at his home in Connecticut last week. He was 98.

McNeill taught at the university in Hyde Park for more than 40 years and published more than 20 books, according to an obituary from the Chicago Sun-Times. The 1976 book “Plagues and Peoples” was called a “landmark” work by scientists.

“He was one of the most important American historians of the 20th century, a leading scholar of world history and also, modern European history,” said John W. Boyer, dean of the liberal arts college at the university.

McNeill was awarded a National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in 2010.

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