History Matters
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In this posthumous collection of thought-provoking essays—many never published before—Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and bestselling author David McCullough affirms the value of history, how we can be guided by its lessons, and the enduring legacy of American ideals.
History Matters brings together selected essays by beloved historian David McCullough, some published here for the first time, written at different points over the course of his long career but all focused on the subject of his lifelong passion: the importance of history in understanding our present and future. Edited by McCullough’s daughter, Dorie McCullough Lawson, and his longtime researcher, Michael Hill, History Matters is a tribute to a master historian and offers fresh insights into McCullough’s enduring interests and writing life. The book also features a foreword by Jon Meacham.
McCullough highlights the importance of character in political leaders, with Harry Truman and George Washington serving as exemplars of American values like optimism and determination. He shares his early influences, from the books he cherished in his youth to the people who mentored him. He also pays homage to those who inspired him, such as writer Paul Horgan and painter Thomas Eakins, illustrating the diverse influences on his writing as well as the influence of art.
Rich with McCullough’s signature grace, curiosity, and narrative gifts, these essays offer vital lessons in viewing history through the eyes of its participants, a perspective that McCullough believed was crucial to understanding the present as well as the past. History Matters is testament to McCullough’s legacy as one of the great storytellers of this nation’s history and of the lasting promise of American ideals.
RBCSR –
David McCullough: “Write On”
I always learn something new after I have read a piece of literary art painted/sculpted/molded by David McCullough. His breadth of knowledge of history, cultures, languages and religions made him a giant in the literary world. I had an opportunity to hear him speak several years ago and regretfully allowed other relatively unimportant activities crowd out that opportunity. I regret that decision more now after reading History Matters.
Annie –
A Joy to Read
This book is a joy to read. The illustration on the inside cover and back cover are done by David McCullough. I never knew that he was an artist too. The book gives a wonderful insight into David McCullough’s personality. I absolutely love this new book. Buy it and love it. I promise you will.
Rachel Mutchmore –
HISTORY MATTERS
This is one of the finest books that I have ever read. McCullough makes history alive in these various essays devoted to especially to people and why Americans today are historically illiterate mostly because of boring teachers or boring writing. Reading these little gems you should find history exciting as it is not only our road in the past, but it is also our road to the present and a guide to the future since it is about people and how they lived their lives just as we do today.
Mark –
enjoyable
As a reader of many David McCullough books, this was a good visit down memory lane. Plus it was a draw for me to read others! This book should be a pleasurable experience for those who love history and see it as a story of people, Like any collection of essays and speeches, some are better than others. That said, I liked this short collection quite a bit.
Richard E. Lekang –
more books to read
I now have a list of more books to read. I read his book on Truman and found it to be a great read.
Amazon Customer –
Worth reading
Outstanding title. One more reminder that ALL of us need to know out country’s history. Not enough Americans are aware of the rich history of the United States.
James M –
David McCulloughâ¦
â¦that should be enough said. Get a copy now while we can still receive the 1st edition/1st printing.
Bruce Craig –
Great Read for History Students!
Indeed this short book is (as billed) “a testament to McCullough’s legacy as one of the great writers of our nation’s history.” I’ve been teaching history for decades now, and I’ve always found it difficult to find a single volume for students to read that would provide them with time-proven writing techniques that if followed religiously could inspire them to write not just well, but with grace and power.But this book does more than serve as a Strunk and White for fledgling historians. McCullough gives us a basket full of short essays — reflections on people he has known, influential books that helped to shape his life and work, and of course he is not shy in providing his thoughts on the ideals that he views as the promise of America.