Noted professor of early American history and literature Alan E. Heimert '49, a mainstay on Harvard's campus for the last 50 years, died Monday night in New York City of a heart attack.

Heimert was 70 years old.

The Cabot professor of American literature and former master of Eliot House had been on leave this year, following a series of health problems over the past few years. Heimert suffered a stroke in 1997, the same year in which students awarded him the Levenson award for teaching excellence.

Two years before, the Modern Language Association gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Heimert had been involved with the Harvard community since his days as an undergraduate.

He served as master of Eliot House from 1968 through 1991, in addition to chairing the English department, the history and literature concentration and the graduate program in American civilization at various times during his career.

"He was a role model of rigor and high expectations. He set a lofty standard and challenged students to do their best," said Lawrence Buell, Marquand professor of English and Heimert's longtime colleague.

Heimert enjoyed teaching undergraduates, especially in small settings, according to Daniel G. Donoghue, chair of the committee on degrees in history and literature.