DAVID SAUL LANDES

1924 - 2013

LANDES, David Saul 89, died on August 17, 2013 in Haverford, PA. He was the beloved husband of Sonia T. Landes, who died on April 12, 2013, after 69 years of marriage. He was the father of Jane Landes Foster, Richard Allen Landes, and Alison Landes Fiekowsky. Grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of nine. David and Sonia met and fell in love in Seagate, New York when they were 14 and 15 years old and then married when they were 19 years of age. They were inseparable forever after. David was the son of Sylvia (nee Silberman) and Harry Landes who immigrated to New York from Husi, Romania in 1904. David was born April 29, 1924 at home in Seagate. David served in the Signal Corp. of the U.S. Army in World War II, becoming a Second Lieutenant with a field promotion in May 1944. Professionally, after other universities, in 1964 Harvard University elected him Professor of History, and he remained at Harvard University for the balance of his career, retiring in 1997, as the Coolidge Professor of History and Professor of Economics, bridging the disciplines of history and economics. David was one of the preeminent scholars of his generation and is particularly known for arguing the central role of culture in economic development. Among his distinguished works were The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, (New York : Norton 1998), Bankers and Pashas, The Unbound Prometheus, Revolution in Time, and Dynasties: Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Worlds Great Family Businesses. In addition, he published over fifty articles and served as editor of numerous publications. His scholarship has been translated into over a dozen languages. In the 1970s he became an astute and avid watch collector, known to makers and devotees of watches and time keeping. He served as Chairman of American Professors for Peace in the Middle East in the 1970s. He was devoted to Judaism, the Jewish people, and the land of Israel, a legacy continued by his descendants. Into his 60s, he prided himself on his cunning in challenging and sometimes beating players at the top of the Harvard Squash Team. His children are sitting shiva in Philadelphia at the Fiekowsky house at 438 Ballytore Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096 from Tuesday through Thursday evening. Starting Thursday evening shiva will be observed in the Boston area at Richards house at 8 Priscilla Road in Brighton, MA through Monday morning. Donations may be made in his name to Harvard Hillel. Arrangements by Bringhurst Funeral Home at West Laurel Hill Cemetery. www.forever-care.com