[5] After serving in the Army during World War II, Bruce graduated from the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.

He received his Master of Arts in history and his Doctor of Philosophy from Boston University, where he was later a professor.

[7] In April 1998, Bruce accused Scottish historian James A. Mackay of plagiarizing his book Bell: Alexander Graham Bell and The Conquest of Solitude, even as Mackay acknowledged Bruce on page 12 of his book.

Eventually, John Wiley & Sons took the book out of print and destroyed any remaining copies at Mackay's expense in exchange for Bruce's promise not to sue.

[11] The American Historical Association later found that Mackay had violated its Statement on Standards of Professional Conduct.