Arthur Johnson (historian)

Arthur Johnson (1845-1927) was a British historian known for his work on European history, particularly the period of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. He was a fellow and tutor of All Souls College, Oxford.

Johnson's most significant contribution to historical scholarship is generally considered to be his work, Europe in the Sixteenth Century, 1494-1598, published in 1897. This book provided a comprehensive overview of the political, social, and religious developments across Europe during a pivotal period of transition. It was notable for its breadth and clarity, and remained a standard text for students for many years.

Beyond his major work, Johnson also wrote on other historical subjects and contributed articles to scholarly journals. He was a respected figure in the academic community, known for his meticulous research and thoughtful interpretations. While his work is less cited in contemporary historiography, reflecting evolving historical perspectives and the discovery of new sources, he remains an important figure in the development of modern historical scholarship in Britain. His analyses reflected the prevailing intellectual climate of his time, often emphasizing the roles of great men and political events in shaping historical outcomes. He also contributed to the Cambridge Modern History series.