Joyce Appleby was an American historian born on November 24, 1929. She was known for her work on early American history and the development of democratic ideals in the United States. Appleby authored several influential books, including Inheriting the Revolution, which explored the impact of the American Revolution on society. She served as a professor at UCLA and was involved in various historical organizations. Appleby's contributions to the field of history have left a lasting impact on the understanding of American democracy and its evolution.