Mitsuo Nitta will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially in the book collecting community. His enthusiasm for antiquarian books and efforts in promoting bookselling made significant inroads in Asian markets. More importantly, his enthusiasm influenced many-- even those from other generations. The International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) set up a book of condolence to honor his memory. Mitsuo Nitta--Book of Condolence.

With the passing of Franklin Victor Spellman (1945-2015) the antiquarian book world lost another champion. For a touching tribute and Spellman's great advice (But, buying books...it's such a harmless vice) read An Obituary by Spellman's friend Jeff Weber. 

 Lisa Jardine, professor of Renaissance studies at University College London lost her battle with cancer this year. In addition to her many dipolmas, she knew eight languages, "modern and ancient," and served in various museums and  institutions.  Kevin Rawlinson wrote about this remarkable woman for The Guardian. See  "Renowned historian Lisa Jardine."

Another influential Renaissance historian, Professor Emeritus of University of Arizona Donald Weinstein, passed. Weinstein was not only a scholar, but an army veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star after serving his country in World War II. Yale University Press, just this summer, published The Duke’s Assassin: Exile and Death of Lorenzino de’ Medici. See William Grimes article, "Donald Weinstein, Influential Historian on the Renaissance, Dies at 89."

Another great was lost with the passing of historian and author, David Cesarani. He was considered a scholar of contemporary Jewish history. He is probably best-known for his book, Becoming Eichmann: Rethinking the Life, Crimes, and Trial of a ‘Desk Murderer. For more read "David Cesarani, Holocaust Historian and Eichmann Biographer, Dies at 58" by Margalit Fox.

James Ponce was an American military veteran and historian. Ponce, known for his love of The Breakers Palm Beach Hotel, died this week at age 98. His love of history was reflected in the tours he gave in and around the hotel including walking tours of Worth Avenue. As his sister states, "He didn't have a degree in history, but he made a historian of himself by studying, and by caring." For more about James Ponce read, "Breakers Historian James Ponce Dies at 98" by Lisa J. Huriash for the SunSentinel.

Atlanta lost associate professor and historian Cliff Kuhn. Kuhn was a living library who gathered stories about Atlanta and its population. He made local appearances on television and radio shows and unsurprisingly, gave tours of his beloved city. He was just as interested in the lesser-known people of the state as those who garnered fame. For more information about Kuhn read Thomas Wheatley's "Cliff Kuhn, local historian who gathered Atlantans' tales and stories, has died."

Passed Time wants to pay tribute those who commit themselves to history. All of their contributions are valuable. Those who held vaunted positions and those like Heinrich Schliemann, the renowned discoverer of Troy, who dedicate their lives and passion to keep history alive for future generations. Thank you. You will be missed. 

*Photograph Courtesy of Private Collection