David McCullough dies at age 89
What is your favorite David McCullough book? Mine is Mornings on Horseback, although I greatly value the other books he has written which I have read. I think my husband read all of his books. After McCullough’s death this month, New York Times contributor Daniel Lewis wrote an enlightening article about him in which he highlights what made his books so compelling. Lewis writes, “Deep research and lively readabiity were hallmarks of his books, and so was their tendency to leap off the shelves.”
Yes. Writing a literarily worthy book that is also a best seller is not an easy task, but McCullough did it time after time. Two of his books, Truman and John Adams, received the Pulitzer Prize. The Path Between Seas and Mornings on Horseback both won the National Book Award. I surprised myself by reading two of his books (Wright Brothers and The Greater Journey) that I probably would have never opened the cover of had they been written by someone other than he. By the time I finished John Adams, I felt as if I knew the man. Of course, the TV episodes further brought Adams to life.
And then there was the voice! David McCullough had a wonderful voice that you were bound to hear if you watched PBS at all. He hosted “American Experience” from 1988 to 1999 and also “Smithsonian World.” He narrated some of these episodes as well as Ken Burns’ series The Civil War. David McCullough spoke with authority and kindness. He wrote with the conviction of someone who knew what he was talking about and who had a deep respect for his subjects.
Maybe you will comment on which of David McCullough’s books you enjoyed the most. I’d love to hear from you!
I have nothing but the greatest respect for David McCullough and his wonderful books. His reputation as important historian and writer is well deserved!
But I must disagree about his voice, particularly on the PBS series he narrated. How eagerly I awaited each of those fascinating series, only to be predictably put to sleep by the combination of his droning, ever-evenly pitched voice and the plinkety-plink musical accompaniment chosen by the directors. How I wish those series would have been narrated by trained professional actors, e.g.Martin Sheen. Then I could have stayed awake until the end!
I’m so glad you responded, and I totally see your point about the music and narration. I thought maybe the droning effect was on purpose!! Obviously, some people liked his voice.