JOHN E.E. DALBERG ACTON (1834-1902), English scholar and historian, was denied entrance into Cambridge University because of his Roman Catholicism; he traveled to Munich, where he studied with Fr. Johann Joseph Ignaz von Döllinger.

In 1895, Acton was appointed Professor of Modern History at Cambridge University where he was known for his lectures, his writings for periodicals, and his personal contacts with the leading historians of the era. His impressive personal library - consisting of more than 59,000 volumes - was acquired by financier Andrew Carnegie and donated to Cambridge University.

Known as Lord Acton, John E.E. Dalberg Acton was one of the great historians of the Victorian period and one of the greatest classical historians of all time. His life's work was advancing the history of liberty though he was never able to complete his magnum opus.

THE HISTORY OF FREEDOM AND OTHER ESSAYS consists of articles reprinted from various journals of his time. Additionally, Acton's works include Lectures on Modern History (1906) and Historical Essays and Studies (1907), which were brought to light after his death.