A University of Kentucky history professor and author has died. Lance Banning was nationally known as an expert on the period of American history from the American Revolution to the U-S Constitution.

Banning died yesterday at U-K Hospital in Lexington. He was 64.

Banning was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his book "The Sacred Fire of Liberty: James Madison and the Founding of the Federal Republic." He also wrote a book about the conflict between the early political parties.

U-K history department chairman Dan Smith says Banning was a dedicated teacher. Banning had taught history at U-K since 1973.

Funeral services will be at seven p-m (eastern time) Friday at W-R Milward Mortuary - Southland.