History Matters

by David McCullough, Dorie McCullough Lawson (Editor/Narrator), Michael Hill (Editor )

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 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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Essays, Biography, American History, Audiobook, Historical

6 pages, Audiobook

First published September 16, 2025

About the author

David McCullough was a Yale-educated, two-time recipient of both the Pulitzer Prize (Truman; John Adams) and the National Book Award (The Path Between the Seas; Mornings on Horseback). His many other highly-acclaimed works of historical non-fiction include The Greater Journey, 1776, Brave Companions, The Great Bridge, The Wright Brothers, and The Johnstown Flood. He was honored with the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the National Humanities Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in addition to many other awards and honors. Mr. McCullough lived in Boston, Mass.

Reviews

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite historians has long been David McCullough, and as I close this book, History Matters, I am in awe of the beauty of his written works and his grasp of life and art and literature and history and faith. And I would like to give a special thanks to his daughter Dorie McCullough Lawson who began working with her father in 1992, just after the publication of Truman. For the past two years, she has been going thorough all of David McCullough’s papers, including letters, calendars, multiple evolutions of original manuscripts with his handwritten editorial changes, ideas, lists, diagrams, paintings, drawings and photographs with his research assistant for over forty years, Michael Hill. As she went through the materials, History Matters became a collection of pieces that they thought merited revisiting. And as Dorie McCullough Lawson points out that while some may have been published before small audiences, many are previously unpublished. Included are the speeches, essays, tributes, interviews, and some more personal. This is a man whom I miss and this book was a beautiful tribute. I was particularly struck by a speech that David McCullough gave in the spring of 2004 at a commencement address at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Connecticut. And in closing, he recited a line that he loved from a very great teacher thus: “A very, very great teacher—Robert Henri. ‘You should paint like a man coming over the top of a hill singing.’”

“He lived and worked like a man coming over the top of a hill singing.” — David McCullough died on August 7, 2022.

In the Foreword by Jon Meacham gives the following tribute to the works of David McCullough:

“In McCullough’s hands, history was an unfolding , contingent, and above all fascinating story of people—of human beings driven by fear and by hope, by ambition and by altruism, by vice and by virtue. From the Johnstown Flood and the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal; from young Theodore Roosevelt and George Washington and John Adams and Harry Truman; from American in Paris to the Wright brothers to white settlers on the frontier, the McCullough canon grew from a voracious curiosity about what Thomas Jefferson called ‘the course of human events.’”

I borrowed this book from the library, but now I know that I need my own personal copy of History Matters, as it is packed not only with beautiful ideas, but a lot of commentary on McCullough’s favorite writers over the years, and how they enriched his life. As it turns out, I have read many of those authors, too. Some of my favorites would be Willa Cather, Paul Horgan, Bruce Catton, Thomas Flanagan, and Barbara Tuchman. But there is so much more when it comes to his favorite books and authors as there is a wealth of information in these pages. There are favorites, of course, but I would be remiss if I did not mention how enjoyable the essay on his Royal typewriter that he bought second-hand in White Plains, New York in 1965, and pounding out every one of his books, including the many rewrites, on this beautiful typewriter. He will be missed.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read any of DMcC's other books, nor have I really cared to. I had neither the intention to read, nor even the knowledge of this book either. That is until I stumbled upon it at my local Barnes & Noble (before the intended release date apparently), and something about it caught my eye. I don't know what exactly it was but I immediately felt a compulsion towards it. I am thankful for that, because this short little book was lovely.

The book is a collection of essays which are broken up into 4 parts with distinct themes. Why History is important to know and learn, important historical figures, influences from his own life, and finally the more meta topic of writing. I became a bit bored during the influences section however it wasn't terribly long so it wasn't to bad. The rest of the book was intriguing, insightful, and a very quick and easy read.

[David Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

After listening to the audio version of the book, it was easy to picture McCullough as an avuncular, folksy older man….who just happened to also be a renown scholar of US history. For anyone who has read the author’s works over the years, there will unlikely be anything in the book that is particularly new or earthshaking; however, it’s almost guaranteed to provide an enjoyable trip down memory lane. Among McCullough’s various essays, reader’s are given a bird’s eye view (via thousands of handwritten letters) of John and Abigail Adams’ amazing marital partnership, the extraordinarily humble origins of Harry Truman, Washington Roebling’s personal challenges in completing his father’s work on the Brooklyn Bridge, and a host of various anecdotes and observations concerning George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and other notable individuals from the American landscape.

This is definitely a book that would be of interest to those readers drawn to US history and, in particular, to anyone unfamiliar with McCullough’s previous works. Even so, I would recommend a digital or hard copy of this book rather than the audio version, as I found the voice of the co-narrator (i.e., McCullough’s daughter) so grating that I tended to skip ahead whenever she happened to introduce a new chapter.

[David Eppenstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a fan of David McCullough as I am then as soon as this book's publication was announced you pre-ordered a copy and had every intention of reading it as soon as it arrived. Now that I have read it I can say that every fan will find something in this book that touches them and they will love this book no matter what I write or what any reviewer says. I give this book only three stars because that is my rating for a good book, one that wasn't either a waste of my time or my money.

What this book is is an homage to David McCullough created by his daughter and his chief research assistant. It is a collection of some of David's speeches, essays, interviews, and random unpublished lists and writings. In his words David reveals his thoughts about history, writing, research, human nature, and even his regard for his 1941 Royal standard manual typewriter upon which all twelve of his books was produced. Yes, I gave it three stars because David wasn't interested in accolades, high praise, or prestigious awards all he ever wanted was to tell stories and tell them truthfully. Truthfully, this is a good book but it isn't great. This book might cause you stop occasionally and think and I believe he would be pleased by that and that would be enough for him. Enjoy.

[Michael Schramm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read several of David McCullough’s books on historical subjects, over time I found myself opining on who he was as a writer, speculating on his personage.

I see now that in reading a series of essays he wrote on luminaries who inspired his writing career and his passion for men such as John Adams, George Washington and others, I was quite close in my speculation of his old school persona.

Mr. McCullough was a most quixotic and impassioned writer who, in the body of the various essays presented here, showcases his great zeal for historical subject matter and the men and women who shaped it. What I found especially noteworthy was the way in which McCullough assessed history as being dynamic, without clear temporal boundaries—which is to say that he believes one should see historical episodes as being inexorably tied to noteworthy events taking place in the present day. History, as he intones in his speeches and essays, should not be relegated to the past.

(My appreciation to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review).

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If David McCullough wasn't already one of my favorite history writers this book sealed the deal. "History matters" is one of my mantras and it appears that he thought so too. As ever, he has added to my list of things to do when we get back to New Haven. He might be tied with another man that is my favorite Yalie! ;) Which I know is dangerous to say... His love of history, the importance of reading and art as essentials in becoming a good observer and then ultimately, in his conclusion, the only true way one becomes a good writer. He listed several favorite authors and books, some I have never heard of and some that were good friends of mine too! This book was just a delight. Highly recommend.

[Julio The Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

America's favorite story-teller unwinds himself of this powerful opinion: "Everything in American history has been achieved through effort". Thanks for the news, David. Elsewhere in this collections of assorted pieces we learn, obiter dicta, that "to see" is the historian's greatest gift, and, in a tribute to Herman Wouk, "imagination is a powerful tool for the writer". D.M. pondered writing a life of Picasso, but decided against it: "He had quite a few lady friends, but that's about it". Harry Truman, subject of another prize winner for McCullough, is saluted for being "a nineteenth century man". Betcha didn't know that? Is it any wonder David won the Pulitzer and sold millions of volumes? As Yogi Barra said when a Jew was elected Mayor of Dublin, "Only in America".

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly, Mr. McCullough died in 2022; but not before he left a wealth of historical books he had written.

[Allison]

I cannot believe I didn't know about this book sooner but once I did I preordered it immediately. It's a NEED!! Eeeeekkk 🤩

[Jeff Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5?

As a history teacher, of course I’ve enjoyed reading David McCullough‘s books. He’s a fantastic writer and a good historian. That being said, there are some problems with his history-making. He’s always overly optimistic about the history of America. He lionizes people when maybe he should have a more critical approach of them. He doesn’t seem to take America’s worst sins seriously. He doesn’t include the diversity of voices when doing history.

All of that shows up here in this collection of essays that have been published posthumously. You get to witness firsthand his love for history, his love for literature, and his love for America. You get to see how his mind thinks and, I think, it is admirable for the most part.

But a lot of these essays feel like you’re listening to grandpa talk about the good ol’ days and ranting about the ignorance of youth. Multiple times throughout the collection he claims that the young are historically illiterate. Multiple times he lauds the glory of a typewriter. You get the point.

But here a few standout ideas:
- The opening essay about history is great and I will probably use it as an introduction to my social studies class. He equates a willful ignorance of history with ingratitude (and this theme shows up multiple times in the collection).
- I liked that “DMcC” (as friends and family called him) emphasized that there were no “simpler times.” All times before your lifetime were hard.
- I also liked DMcC’s emphasis on the fact that characters of history did not know they were a part of “history.” They were living their present and didn’t know what the morning would bring.
- I think it’s a shame that he writes a whole essay about George Washington being the greatest American and we should all agree with that assessment while not saying anything about Washington enslaving people (and even having a man whipped to death!) except that he manumitted his enslaved workers . . . AFTER HIS DEATH.
- I did appreciate the essay on Truman because I know next to nothing about him.
- I liked DMcC’s emphasis on reading the literature of the time while reading history. He pointed out that figures of the 17th-18th century often quoted famous works without using quotation marks. If you don’t know the source material, you’ll miss it.
- There’s a lot of great stuff about the art of writing. In one anecdote, he tells the story of Samuel Scudder who would set out a fish for students to study only with the instructions “Look at your fish.” When students could not say anything substantial about the fish, he’d repeat the exercise over and over again. “Look at your fish” became a mantra for DMcC and his writing. He also stresses the importance of rewriting and even says he feels more like a “rewriter” than a writer.
- DMcC has a great anecdote about putting a book on the foot of his children’s beds on Christmas Eve so that they would wake up and read the book instead of waking up the parents! I may have to steal this one . . .

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Often one of the saddest things about a beloved author's death is that they won't be writing any more books. This very brief collection of rather short pieces exists largely to alleviate some of that grief for David McCullough's fans. The author's familiar voice is comforting even if the material is a bit slight and repetitious. The highlight for me was a Paris Review interview about McCullough's working methods.

In one of the essays (actually transcribed remarks to a Dartmouth audience) McCullough reveals what I think is his secret sauce when he advises writers to "remember you're writing about people who didn't know how things would turn out, any more than you do". For me, that is often the key to good history writing; if the writer can create suspense even though I know how things will turn out, I'm usually sold.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an early egalley for review.

This can easily be read in an evening and is pleasant enough. I also like the double meaning of the clever title.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There is no better way to understand who we are and why we are the way we are and where we may be heading than by reading history from the hands of good writers. I can't imagine a world without books.”

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy. That's the one word that comes to mind to describe this book. The author gives us a group of miscellaneous speeches and essays from his long writing career. In my humble opinion, McCullough was one of the best historians of the twentieth century. This book sums up his writing style, as well as his influence on up and coming potential authors. A delightful, easy, one day read. Well worth the time spent.

[Jim Dooley · Rating 3 out of 5]

HISTORY MATTERS wasn't a book that I read for personal enjoyment. It is part of research work I'm doing for an upcoming project. Despite all of the planned "America 250" celebration events coming in 2026, Historical institutions across the United States have been facing very difficult times in the light of recent funding cuts. Being fascinated with History, I was curious regarding ideas for bringing more of the population at large "into the fold" of Historical appreciation.

HISTORY MATTERS is a collection of essays from the late David McCullough, whose voice is probably the most known as the narrator for the Ken Burns production of "The Civil War." There were many excellent insights available here. Two that stood out for me (and were often repeated) were that historical figures lived "in the present" in the same way that we do, and that History only becomes memorable through stories as opposed to reiterations of chronological events.

Indeed, the main issue that I have with the collection is the repetition. Granted, it is only natural for certain themes to be recalled for multiple essays intended for different audiences. In a collection, though, where the audience is the Reader of the book, it becomes less effective.

In an early essay, David McCullough notes that he tended to think of himself more as an English major than a Historian. That wasn't merely humility from someone who won prestigious awards for his historical writing, but more of an acknowledgement of someone who was intensely curious about a variety of pursuits. He was obviously someone who took his work seriously, but he also needed to find enjoyment in it and in the act of living.

One of the quotes that really stood out for me was, "History lessons are largely lessons in appreciation of those who went before us and did the hard work. Indifference to history is a form of ingratitude." I know that my late uncle, who served in the Second World War, expressed similar feelings regarding those who easily dismissed their right to vote.

So, HISTORY MATTERS is a good source for reflection. Perhaps that is sufficient high praise in itself.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard David's voice before I knew who he was. By the time I heard him narrate Ken Burn's now iconic "Civil War" series he was already an established writer of history. His biographies of John Adams and Harry Truman earned him Pulitzer prizes. Truman's remains one of my all time favorite biography's. His voice is crisp and authoritative without being overbearing. I could listen to him for hours, and I have. When he passed away in 2022 it felt like I lost a beloved friend or family member.

The book is a collection of his writings, speeches and essays. As the title suggests he does speak of his love of history and writing. It is also about David McCullough himself. He reveals himself in many ways. I found it amazing that when citing some of his most influential and favorite books were several that of my favorites too. No wonder I liked him so much. Reading this I could hear his voice my head narrating it to me, it made me miss him even more.

If you like history, David McCullough and or his books I highly recommend this one.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Some of the selections are outstanding, and will live with me for years. Others near the middle/almost end, felt a little like filler. Well worth it for a history fan; gets you thinking about what makes a good story.

[David Nalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

David McCullough is one of my favorite writers/historians.

When I saw that this book was going to be released, I immediately got excited.

This is a short book, full of essays/lectures/speeches that give insight into who McCullough was, how he worked, and what influenced him.

There are many themes within this book that come through in McCullough’s other writings and interviews such as:
1. The need for courage

2. The need to read, read, and read some more (read the books that influenced those that influence you)

3. The need to continue to always learn

4. The humility to read back into the lives of people, to see that they did not know how things would turn out; but the persevered and kept pushing forward

If you are a fan of David McCullough and his writings, then you must take up this book and read!

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays and speeches by McCullough on history, writing, and various important historical figures. Uneven, as you'd expect, but I'm glad I had the chance to get this from the library and read it.

"Any nation that expects to be ignorant and free expects what never was and never will be."
- Thomas Jefferson, quoted in "Why History?", upon receiving the Nat'l Book Foundation's Award for Distinguished Contributions to American Letters

"But if the laws are to be so trampled upon with impunity and a minority - a small one, too - is to dictate to the majority, there is an end put at one stroke to the Republican government."
George Washington speaking about the Whiskey Rebellion, in "A Conversation about George", a speech at the Library of Congress

"Anyone who writes history and leaves out feeling isn't writing history."
- David McCullough in "Accuracy and Imagination"

[Karen Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a collection of essays by the author that was arranged posthumously to explain “why history matters”. This topic couldn’t be more important at this time in US history. A very worthwhile read.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Preamble: given the interview segment of this book left the most impact and given this book is ‘only’ a collection of various essays, said interview, and speeches, I’m doing something differently with how this review is structured. If it comes off as a colossal failure, only I am to blame.)

Interviewer: Aaron, so tell me, why of all books on history, you chose this one, which can be seen as something of a collection of ‘deep cuts’?

Aaron: Honestly sir, it was the audiobook hours I had available. One of the services I use gives me a certain amount of ‘free’ ones and I had just enough left this month to fit this svelte book in.

I: Point made, but again—and ignoring the tech talk for a moment—why this book and not any other?

A: It’s called “History Matters” and it ran less than six hours. Given David McCullough’s credentials, I figure if there’s one person who can somehow make his case and make it count in such a brief amount of time, it’s him.

I: Did he succeed?

A: Well here’s the thing: this is a posthumous release and as you noted, it’s a somewhat mishmash of essays—some unpublished, some not—speeches, and even an excellent interview that covers a smorgasbord of themes. I can’t say if he “succeeded” if the question is the book’s title because he wasn’t around to put the finishing touches on the work. But I can say what we get while varied really does paint a picture of the importance of the past. I learned a thing or two!

I: Tell us something unexpected.

A: Thomas Eakins. Every heard of him? I didn’t. American artist. 19th century. Man, this guy was a master of oil painting but apparently unlike Picaso—someone whom David McCullough noted in the interview he was working on a book about before giving up--

I: --Sorry to butt in, but are you saying David McCullough, the winner of multiple Pulitzers about US presidents was working on a book about a painter whom my kids can outdo?

A: Yea, and the thing was he came to the conclusion it just wouldn’t work. “Keep your hero in trouble” is what he noted in that interview and given—according to him, mind you, my Picaso knowledge isn’t what you call expansive--

I: Yes, yes, go on…

A: --Picaso seemed to find success really early. He was famous, well off, productive, but as the subject of a biography, because he had a relatively ‘safe’ life, it seems like the ingredients for a good book just weren’t there. But I’m sure others have swept in and wrote about him. Can I talk more about Eakins now please?

I: Sure, what about him? The writer?

A: No, the writer is David McCullough. Eakins is the artist nobody seems to know about. He made a bunch of oil paintings in the 19th century. I’m no art buff—again, mind you—but after checking out some of the paintings mentioned—and I’m only seguing to this because it was the subject of one of the more memorable essays in the book—this guy totally nailed facial expressions. He also seemed big on nudes which perhaps given the time period may have made him kind of a social pariah, but that’s just based on my modern assumptions.

I: Alright, I get it. I’ll look him up later (not). Let’s go back to the book’s main thrust: does history matter?

A: Absolutely. The contributions here don’t all force that down your throat, but all come together to form a collective thesis that yes, while time always moves forward, we should not just view the past in the past tense. The “study of dead presidents”—a specialty of McCullough can tell us a lot about our own political landscape today, for example.

I: Interesting. And how do you think McCullough would find today’s political landscape?

A: I’ll just reiterate something he has said in the past: “My specialty is dead politicians.” Oh, by the way, this isn’t my first rodeo with him. About a decade ago I read his John Adams biography. I’d definitely recommend you check it out too.

I: Hit us with a zinger. Any words of wisdom of note you especially got from this book? I know it’s short, but surely there’s something spicy in there.

A: Well, I wouldn’t consider it “spicy”, but it was in the penultimate or last essay about writing advice and one thing really stuck with me: “Read. Read. Read.” If you want to be a good writer, you read—especially if you’re doing biographies where one of the best things you can do is not only read about the person and about the time they lived in, but read what they were reading. Read. So yea, that’s some really powerful advice I got that I guess you can call a “zinger”.

I: Is this book available on TikTok?

A: Thank you for your time.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

McCullough wrote fourteen historical studies, four of them individual biographies of Americans (Wright brothers, John Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry Truman). I’ve read three of his books and thoght they were excellent - well-researched and very readable. By chance I came across this collection of miscellaneous comments and articles, edited by his daughter and published three years after his death in 20222. They made me want to read his other books, and I can think of no higher praise than that for this slim volume.

It’s divided into four parts, “Why History?,” “Figures in a Landscape,” “Influences,” and “On Writing.” His attitude toward the past is always one of curiosity., even a sense of wonder. McCullough writes, “the hardest thing to convey in writing history is that nothing had to happen the way it did.” The way that events played out could have occurred in any number of ways, and to read history well is to realize that no events were inevitably going to happen in the way they did. To convey that well, as I think McCullough does, is to make history as gripping as any fictional suspense story.

In a sense, there is no “past” as such.”The marvelous thing about the past, McCullough writes, is whenever you reach down into it, all you find is life. . .the job is to bring historical characters to life. Your subjects were real human beings, after all. Show their strengths, their failings. And remember, you’re wriging about people who didn’t now ohow things would turn out, any more than we do.”

McCullough emphasizes that he has no preconceived ideas about his subjects. If henew all about his subject, he wouldn’t want to w rite a book about it. He says he doesn’t work by an outline which would be like painting by numbers. What he does do, is extensively rewrite which may involve changing his opinion and emphasis.

On the subject of painting, McCullough is particularly interesting. He repeatedly consults paintings as historical sources. All kinds – portraits,landscapes, cityscapes, battle scenes, sea paintings, sculptures. The decisions made by artists make history come alive, and history can follow that path and again at its best become literature and art.

One of my favorite parts of the book is from the section, “Figures in a Landscape”, and is a short sketch of a little known part of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s life. After the publication of her UNCLE TOM’S CABIN IN 1852 and its sensational impact, this frail, small woman , a mother of six children, became an instant celebrity. She traveled to England where she undertook an exhausting tour, so exhausting that her husband went home (her six children stayed behind). To escape she went to Paris where she was an anonymous figure and spent three enjoyable weeks, immersing herself in the life of the city, spending hours, for example, in the Louvre. I thought this part was a good example of what McCullough talks about in history being an act of discovery. Her book is well known, but this adventure of Harriet’s, gives the author a human face.

As I said at the beginning, read this book, and I think it’s certain that you’ll want to read more of McCullough.

[Quinby6696 Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong history buff, I really enjoyed "History Matters", a compilation of speeches and essays by David McCullough and collected by his daughter, Doris McCullough Lawson, and his longtime researcher, Michael Hill. The country lost a real national treasure on August 7, 2022. Shining through all this material is McCullough's character. He was a man with an intensely curious intellect, an empathetic soul, and, above all, a person of deep humility - a real mensch. In the foreword Jon Meacham writes, "... John Gunther sought Truman out for an interview. What, Gunther asked the vice president, interested him the most? The answer was characteristically pithy. "People," Truman said. Truman's most notable biographer, David McCullough, would have given the same reply, and American life and letters are all the better for that shared passion. In McCullough's hands, history was an unfolding, contingent, and above all fascinating story of people - of human beings driven by fear and by hope, by ambition and by altruism, by vice and by virtue." (xi)

In the chapter, "Take Luck to Heart" McCullough writes,

"The lessons of history are beyond counting. One is that almost nothing of consequence is ever accomplished alone. It is a joint effort. Nor is there any such thing as a self-made man or woman. We are all the result of the many who have helped along the way, who have taught and encouraged us, seen to our needs, enlarged our horizons, or are there for us in times of need ...Be generous. Give off yourselves. Count kindness as all-important in life. Take interest in those around you. Try to keep in mind that everyone you encounter along the way, no matter their background or station in life, knows something you don't. Get in the habit of asking people about themselves, their lives, their interests, and listen to them. It's amazing what you can learn by listening." (p.21)

I especially liked the chapter "Reading and Writing: a Recommended Reading List." It made me pull out my old dog-eared yellow-paged copy of "Only Yesterday" to reread and to reorder another old favorite "The Reason Why".

[SheMac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a pleasure to read McCullough even three years after his death! There's a great deal to be learned about him here, best of all the way he chose the subjects of his books and his own personal book recommendations. A little disappointing is that the longest piece has already been published.

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this posthumous collection of essays & speeches by McCullough. Loved “A Book on Every Bed” on Christmas morning! And I added so many more books to my TBR list, sigh ….

[Andrea Engle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Meacham, another beloved historian, in his “Foreword” to this collection, emphasizes David McCullough’s interest in people, in each individual … proof is given in the pages which follow, a posthumous compilation of essays, interviews, and articles, several previously unpublished … a window into the workings of a gifted historian …

[Katelynn]

This was a short read that encouraged my reading of history. A collection of talks he gave or essays he wrote. My favorite was the Paris Review article. He also has book lists at the end. It was interesting to hear his perspective on writing and the people of history he got to know through his research.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting little book of essays & speeches from historian & biographer David McCullough about why history matters and is important in life. For a small book it packs some powerful lessons about how we look at the world … present & past. In addition, we also gain some insight into his approach to writing & reading, which I found interesting.

There are several important ideas that I took from this book (and I’m sure I missed some):

* 'Indifference to history isn’t just ignorant, it’s rude … It’s a form of ingratitude.'

* 'There is no better way to understand who we are and why we are… and where we may be heading, than by reading history from the hands of good writers … Past things shed light on the future ones.'

* 'We cannot understand history unless we see events as those living through them did, not knowing how the story ends. Approaching history like this allows us to experience what it was like to face pivotal moments of the past, giving us insight to face our own.'

* 'There is no such thing as the dead past. The marvelous thing about the past is whenever you reach down into it, all you find is life. You could even argue that there is no such thing as the past. There was only somebody else’s present.'

* There is no such thins as ‘a simpler time. There was no simpler time.

* McCullough expressed his concerns about the consequences of raising a generation of young Americans who are to a large degree historically illiterate.

* He also speaks to the importance of character in our political leaders … more important today, in my opinion than any other time in my 70 years:
- 'it’s extremely risky, even perilous, to assume that because people hold positions of responsibility they are therefore behaving responsibly.'
- In 1765, a decade before 1776, John Adams said the following '… the people … have a right, an indisputable, unalienable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge – I mean of the character and conduct of their rulers.'

* He places the tumultuous times of the day in perspective by reminding readers of the lessons of the past, providing hope in what seem like hopeless times … 'Remember that speaking the truth, loyalty, decency, courage and character all count. All matter greatly still, indeed, count more now than ever. We as a nation are experiencing serious bumps in the road. Don’t get discouraged, don’t give up. We’ve known worse times and come through, and we will now if we never forget who we are and what we stand for.'

* On Writing:
- Interestingly, he sees and draws parallels to the arts & the telling of history. He believed firmly that the telling of history should never be dull.
- Writing history was like working on a detective case. 'And once on the case, you want to know more and more and more … Follow your curiosity.'
- 'Insight comes, more often than not, from looking at what’s been on the table all along, in front of everybody, rather than from discovering something new.'

* On Happiness in Life:
- 'Churchill once wrote that the most industrious, useful people of society may be divided into two categories – those who work with great intensity at their job and for pleasure, for relief, turn to golf or travel or vacation. And then there are those for whom their work and their real joy in life are one in the same – who are thus on vacation every day. And they are the luckiest of all.'

If you’ve never read a book written by David McCullough, this one may provide you with a reason to pick one up. If you’re already a fan, this one will reassure you of what you already know about the man.

[Farrah (bookstalgic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a feel good book for me and a great way to start off my reading year for 2026!
This is actually my first time reading anything by David McCullough and I loved his writing and the way he paid tribute to those that have influenced his life in such a beautiful and thoughtful way. He really emphasized the importance of character and courage that he felt embodied the people he chose to write about.
I loved his essay about what his parents did for him and his siblings for Christmas, which he later did for his own children. I loved his essays where he wrote about his beloved typewriter and the books that he loves. I really enjoyed his essays talking about specific figures in history and the people that influenced him in his life. It was so endearing.
This essay collection was well done in my opinion, the perfect length for what it was and it feels even more special because it was put together by his daughter and long time historian friend. This book was a full 5 star read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Emma Hoeschler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.

I joke that history is the fun facts major and this book just reaffirmed that. It sent me down so many rabbit holes and there are so many new topics that I feel the need to learn about now thanks to his writing.

This also gave me a lot of hope, which I feel like few books about history do. He spends a lot of time refuting the concept of people living simpler lives in the past and how the political climate was just as charged, which actually brings me some optimism about the state of things moving forward.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book of selected writings about the art of writing, love of history and love of books was a pure joy to read. I loved every page and read it a few pages at a time. When I visited the Truman library, the staff talked about the months and years DMcC spent there researching for Truman. This book told me why. If you have read books by David McCullough, you should treat yourself to this little book.