In this quick hits interview, Professor of History Richard Gamble talks famous students, unpopular opinions, and the
1964 World’s Fair.

What is one trend from your teenage years that you wish you could bring back?
You must remember that my teenage years were the 1970s. Would anybody bring anything back from the1970s? I wouldn’t bring the fashion back. I wouldn’t bring American-made cars back. How about a classic New Jersey diner?

What’s your most unpopular opinion?
I love this question. I have so many. I think Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” is overrated. I was so underwhelmed by it.

What is the most common question students ask you?
When students come into the office, they’ll say, “Have you read all of those books?”It’s always freshman Western Heritage students.

What’s your favorite Bible verse?
I am not a fan of the Bible chopped into verses. But I always go back to Ephesians Chapter 2.

Who is one historical figure who you would like to see give a lecture at Hillsdale?
I would like to hear from George Kennan, the diplomat.

What is your favorite item in your office?
My all time favorite gift I got from students is this figurine of Julia Ward Howe. There’s a long story behind it, but I laughed so hard when I got it, and I was really touched.

What is one thing on your bucket list?
Travel. I’d love to see Vienna, Prague — I’d like to visit that area.

What is one thing a lot of people don’t know about you?
I had a “Saturday Night Live” cast member as a student — Victoria Jackson back from the ’90s. She had already left
the cast. She was in her 40s at the time. Her daughter was enrolled, and she came up from Miami. She became a very conservative, evangelical Christian. I taught her for two semesters. I’m still Facebook friends with her.

What is one movie you think everyone should watch?
“The Lives of Others.”

Do you have any unique hobbies or talents?
I started life out as an art major. I don’t keep up with it, but I was pretty good. All I did as a kid was draw.

Do you have any standout memories from childhood?
One of my earliest memories is the 1964 World’s Fair. That’s why they built the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge. I remember going to the Bronx Zoo for my 5th birthday, and the bridge was brand new.

What is one way you hope to impact your students?
Help them to love reading of all kinds – fiction and nonfiction.