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.
0 有用 东林皆石 2026-01-26 21:52:45 浙江
历史学家和传记作家David McCullough论历史的价值:“历史告诉我们如何行事。历史教导、强化我们所信仰的、我们所坚持的以及我们愿意为之挺身而出的。历史是爱国主义的基石” “历史并不完全是英雄的故事。它通常是关于残酷、不公正和短视的故事,有怪物,有邪恶,有背叛” “历史是生命的延伸。它既扩大又加强活着的体验” “历史总是在不断进步,一个实验、一次冒险、一次旅程” “过去的事情照亮未来的事情... 历史学家和传记作家David McCullough论历史的价值:“历史告诉我们如何行事。历史教导、强化我们所信仰的、我们所坚持的以及我们愿意为之挺身而出的。历史是爱国主义的基石” “历史并不完全是英雄的故事。它通常是关于残酷、不公正和短视的故事,有怪物,有邪恶,有背叛” “历史是生命的延伸。它既扩大又加强活着的体验” “历史总是在不断进步,一个实验、一次冒险、一次旅程” “过去的事情照亮未来的事情” “历史,当然挤满了人…他们只是坐在那里。冲在最前面的人是例外…” “任何书写历史而忽略情感的人都不是在书写历史。如果没有情感,我们永远无法真正了解任何事情” (展开)
0 有用 蛋花汤的温暖大碗 2025-11-01 13:23:24 美国
演讲稿为主,一头一尾比较好,真诚老派的美国知识分子。