Gisbert H. Flanz *47

Gisbert Flanz, retired professor of political science at NYU, died April 26, 2015. He was 98.

Born in Czechoslovakia in 1916, Flanz earned a university degree in 1936 and a law degree in 1939 in Prague, immigrated to the United States, and enrolled in Princeton’s Graduate School in 1939. At Princeton, he also taught politics from 1939 to 1943 and then served in the Army. From February to June 1946, he was a full-time lecturer while finishing his Ph.D. in politics.

Flanz began teaching at NYU in 1946 and retired as professor of political science in 1982. In the 1960s, he assisted in the drafting of a constitution for the Republic of South Korea and advised on legislation in South Vietnam.

In 1971, Flanz (with Albert Blaustein of Rutgers) created Constitutions of the Countries of the World, a reference work updated semi-annually. This was the culmination of his scholarly knowledge of the complexities of constitutional law. He continued to publish authoritative texts on constitutional law and comparative political science for more than 30 years.

Flanz was predeceased by Elizabeth, his wife of 72 years; and daughter Katherine. He is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.