History Matters

By: David McCullough, Dorie McCullough Lawson, Michael Hill, Jon Meacham - introduction

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd, Dorie McCullough Lawson

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.

A book for our times.

I started reading this book after being totally exasperated with our political situation. And the beauty of the author’s s words and his wisdom I begin to feel a little bit less discouraged. The book is extraordinary. The book is so normal.

Smashing!

Desperately important advice for every American. everyone needs to read or listen to this book.

Variety

Excellent review of his fantastic writings! I learned so much! Highly recommend! Great for all ages

Learning about the authors and of their work

I loved learning so much about the historical characters. I felt like I could be there observing the events.

One of the best to ever do it

I was introduced to David McCullough first listening to his narration of Ken Burns The Civil War (which also including Shelby Foote and hearing resonating voice relate deep stories of the Civil War) Years after that, I picked up my first McCullough book,his biography of Harry Truman. I was hooked. I was struck. He made the subject come to life. McCullough had me. I’ve read about the Johnstown Flood. I’ve seen the building of a great bridge. I traversed the Panama Canal. All these journeys taken with McCullough as my guide. 1776. John Adams. The Wright Brothers Now to this book a collection of essays put together by his daughter and his research assistant. A short but profound book. A glimpse behind the curtain of a great historian and a master of prose.