Harvard science historian Allan M. Brandt has been selected as the next dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), according to a draft of an acceptance letter obtained by The Crimson.

"I am enormously honored to assume the leadership of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at this very exciting time," Brandt wrote in the message.

Reached at his home tonight, Brandt declined to comment. Theda Skocpol, the current dean of GSAS who announced her resignation in March, also declined to comment. She has continued to hold the deanship during the search for her successor.

A spokesman for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), of which GSAS is a part, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Brandt, who is on leave, served as chair of the Department of the History of Science from 2000 to 2006.

Brandt has a joint appointment in FAS and the Harvard Medical School. He is also a popular author. His most recent book, "The Cigarette Century," was a New York Times bestseller.

-- Check thecrimson.com for updates throughout the evening.

-- Staff writer Samuel P. Jacobs can be reached at jacobs@fas.harvard.edu.