RiP David McCullough

[MuggsyB]

Certainly one of the most impactful and successful biographers.  Truman was excellent.  I never read Adams.  Anyway, condolences to his family. 

[Uncle Rico]

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. 

[MuggsyB]

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?

[Uncle Rico]

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

[MuggsyB]

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.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Was my commencement speaker. Great historian,  not the most engaging speaker

[MuggsyB]

Was my commencement speaker. Great historian,  not the most engaging speaker

It's interesting how that can happen. 

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Reading the Adams book put me on a kick to read another 15 on the Founding Fathers.  Eternally thankful I did.

[Jockey]

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.

[MuggsyB]

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.

[cheebs09]

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.

[Mutaman]

I would recommend Manchester's Churchill biographies.

The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America, 1932–1972 is terrific. Manchester could write.

[dgies9156]

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.

[MuggsyB]

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.