Certainly one of the most impactful and successful biographers. Truman was excellent. I never read Adams. Anyway, condolences to his family.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 08, 2022, 04:12:42 PM
Certainly one of the most impactful and successful biographers. Truman was excellent. I never read Adams. Anyway, condolences to his family.
A real giant in his field. Comprehensive researcher and smart writing style. Those who read his stuff know how brutally honest he was about his subjects. He's an interesting case study when we discuss teaching and learning history.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on August 08, 2022, 04:20:56 PM
A real giant in his field. Comprehensive researcher and smart writing style. Those who read his stuff know how brutally honest he was about his subjects. He's an interesting case study when we discuss teaching and learning history.
I didn't realize he was an English major. I wrongfully assumed he was a Historian. Or can you be a Historian and not have s History degree?
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 08, 2022, 04:24:16 PM
I didn't realize he was an English major. I wrongfully assumed he was a Historian. Or can you be a Historian and not have s History degree?
I mean, does it matter? He began as a researcher and moved on from there. Historian, author, I'm sure he probably was fine being called all of those. I doubt historians have a problem with it either
Quote from: Uncle Rico on August 08, 2022, 05:06:06 PM
I mean, does it matter? He began as a researcher and moved on from there. Historian, author, I'm sure he probably was fine being called all of those. I doubt historians have a problem with it either
Not to me.
Was my commencement speaker. Great historian, not the most engaging speaker
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 08, 2022, 06:23:58 PM
Was my commencement speaker. Great historian, not the most engaging speaker
It's interesting how that can happen.
Reading the Adams book put me on a kick to read another 15 on the Founding Fathers. Eternally thankful I did.
McCullough was a fantastic historical writer. He took a subject that can be very dry at times, and made it interesting. Rather than mourn his loss, I celebrate his life and the great work he did.
Quote from: Jockey on August 08, 2022, 07:44:43 PM
McCullough was a fantastic historical writer. He took a subject that can be very dry at times, and made it interesting. Rather than mourn his loss, I celebrate his life and the great work he did.
I would recommend Manchester's Churchill biographies.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on August 08, 2022, 06:23:58 PM
Was my commencement speaker. Great historian, not the most engaging speaker
Same. I came out of it thinking it was an ad for his book haha.
I've read Adams and 1776. Enjoyed both of them very much. Started Truman, but the page count is a little daunting. Hope to get into it again soon.
Quote from: MuggsyB on August 08, 2022, 07:58:45 PM
I would recommend Manchester's Churchill biographies.
The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America, 1932–1972 is terrific. Manchester could write.
Read the Truman book. An outstanding look at a man who NEVER gave up. McCullough did an extraordinary job of capturing the essence of an extraordinary man.
Harry Truman is somewhat of a hero to me and McCullough made him so real.
Quote from: dgies9156 on August 09, 2022, 05:42:03 PM
Read the Truman book. An outstanding look at a man who NEVER gave up. McCullough did an extraordinary job of capturing the essence of an extraordinary man.
Harry Truman is somewhat of a hero to me and McCullough made him so real.
Well said brother dgies. Did you know McCullough wrote all of his books on a typewriter?? He liked the rhythm of the typewriter as well as the bell ring. He never wanted to write faster apparently. Maybe it's me, and I'm not really a luddite, but that's extremely badass. It's not like he wrote scanty pieces.