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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
A fantastic set of essays on history and historical figures.
Okay, confession time: this is the fist McCullough I've read. His books have been recommended to me dozens of times (especially John Adams), but I have always had this aversion to "popular" historians. There are certain popular historians that I just distrust--they have published too much to have done much of the work themselves--or to really dive into the material.
McCullough does not appear to be one of those "popular" historians.
This book is a collection of essays, first published in 1991. The majority of the essays are brief, biographical sketches of some fascinating people--some of whom I had never heard of, many of whom don't follow into my usual categories of historical interest. But each essay was wonderful. He introduced me to some people I would love to know more about, such as Miriam Rothschild. He told the jaw-dropping story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the railroad line across Panama (before the canal).
I loved his writing style--he doesn't get bogged down in details like so many historians, but somehow senses exactly what we the reader need to know in order to understand.
Highly recommended. I may even tackle John Adams one of these days.
McCullough does not appear to be one of those "popular" historians.
This book is a collection of essays, first published in 1991. The majority of the essays are brief, biographical sketches of some fascinating people--some of whom I had never heard of, many of whom don't follow into my usual categories of historical interest. But each essay was wonderful. He introduced me to some people I would love to know more about, such as Miriam Rothschild. He told the jaw-dropping story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the railroad line across Panama (before the canal).
I loved his writing style--he doesn't get bogged down in details like so many historians, but somehow senses exactly what we the reader need to know in order to understand.
Highly recommended. I may even tackle John Adams one of these days.
I particularly enjoyed the pieces about the Brooklyn Bridge, Miriam Rothschild, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Harry Caudill. McCullough has a wonderful way of telling their stories and making the people seem so real.
Exceptional story telling! Never gets boring and gives you real insight into historical figures.
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
My uncle made me read this book while I’m visiting him in DC. I thought it was interesting. The author talked about how historical successes really need to be talked about more because then people believe they can make change. It was a good book.
I loved this collection of essays written for magazines and speechs by McCullough on various people & places. I have a much greater appreication for the Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and David Plowden to name a few. I really love his books.
slow-paced
I wasn't sure this book would hold my attention,but was I wrong. I find myself thinking of these stories throughout the day. You can tell Mr.McCullough truly loves history,and has such a way of telling a story. I learned so much, painlessly!