Forty years after his first book, David McCullough wrote and presented his speech, The Course of Human Events, in the 2003 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, in which he divulges his philosophy on writing, speaking, and history in his masterful storytelling style.
In this Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, David McCullough draws on his personal experience as a historian to acknowledge the crucial importance of writing in history’s enduring impact and influence, and he affirms the significance of history in teaching us about human nature through the ages.
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"This is a great little piece centering on the signing of the Declaration of Independence but including literary biography of David McCullough and thoughts on history and early American patriotism. I've previously read John Adams and this this work provided a little more connection with the author."
— Jeff (4 out of 5 stars)
“David McCullough reminds listeners that history is made up of human beings, not gods. He cites the flaws of the Founding Fathers as he ticks off their accomplishments…McCullough reads as a master lecturer as he discusses the Founders.”
— AudioFile" Not really a book, but interesting enough. "
— Thomas, 2/20/2014" Short, but very insightful and inspirational. In this lecture, McCullough talks about the role of history in our lives, and how it played a role in the lives of our founding fathers. This greatly increases my respect for McCullough and the study of history. Highly recommended for everyone. "
— Ben, 2/15/2014" David McCullough is a historian for the love of history. This is a great short lecture about the fundamental nature and role history should play in our present, in our day to day life. "
— Raelene, 2/6/2014" Short and sweet. This is perfect 4th of July material. "
— Dan, 1/30/2014" Insightful and fascinating. A must read/listen to for history buffs. "
— Angie, 1/2/2014" A gripping and telling lecture. "
— Hany, 12/30/2013" Great lecture on the Declaration of Independence. "
— Chantelle, 7/25/2013" This was short, sweet, and to the point. An intimate look at some of our Nation's greatest leaders. "
— Abigail, 7/4/2013" What a lovely little lecture. I could listen to McCullough all day long. "
— Christine, 6/17/2013" A great emphasis on the importance of reading and pursuit of knowledge from the founding fathers. "
— Vincent, 4/26/2013" The audio version was a bit difficult to follow while driving, and since I wanted to absorb the full message, I listened to it a few times since it was so short. Wonderful message and insight in to our history, our founders, and the importance of education. "
— Amy, 3/22/2013" A speech given by David McCullough for the Jefferson lecture series. It given some background about his thoughts on history, how he came to love it as a child and develop it into a career. A nice short read. "
— Heather, 12/2/2012" Love David McCullogh...what he writes and narrates. "
— Denise, 9/12/2012" awesome speech by mccullough. really really good. he's brilliant. "
— Jose, 8/8/2012" This was a GREAT presentation by McCullough and well worth the 1.5 hrs to listen to it! I am going to listen over again, just to catch some of the books he referenced -- and then add them to my reading list. "
— Summers, 4/1/2012" A good essay that makes the case for education and reading, especially reading history. "
— Laura, 9/27/2011" A very enjoyable 45-minute lecture by a great writer and historian. "
— Rob, 7/16/2011" anything McCullough writes is golden. This is a short speech he gave and it touches on the basis for humanity and higher education from the earliest days of America. "
— Larissa, 7/6/2011" awesome book, way too short. "
— Will, 5/20/2011" This is a speech that McCullough gave. After reading it I wish I could have been there to hear him give the speech. "
— Jessica, 5/12/2011" This one hour lecture pulls together key points from several of McCullough's books into a nice discourse on American history. I look forward to reading more of his books. "
— Robert, 4/24/2011" While listening I was wishing I had a transcription for all the quotes I wanted to keep. McCullough nails it on the head about the Founding Fathers of America. I recommend it for everyone. "
— Becky, 12/11/2010" Every time I hear David McCullough speak, he inspires me to study more history, to study more in general, and to write...always to write. I love it. This lecture is informative, interesting and inspiring. It's only 45 mintues long, so I intend to listen to it several more times. "
— Adrienne, 8/16/2010" A great emphasis on the importance of reading and pursuit of knowledge from the founding fathers. "
— Vincent, 4/22/2010" A speech given by David McCullough for the Jefferson lecture series. It given some background about his thoughts on history, how he came to love it as a child and develop it into a career. A nice short read. "
— Heather, 3/22/2010" This was a GREAT presentation by McCullough and well worth the 1.5 hrs to listen to it! I am going to listen over again, just to catch some of the books he referenced -- and then add them to my reading list. "
— Summers, 2/3/2010" awesome speech by mccullough. really really good. he's brilliant. "
— Jose, 9/16/2009" Great lecture on the Declaration of Independence. "
— Chantelle, 9/15/2009" This one hour lecture pulls together key points from several of McCullough's books into a nice discourse on American history. I look forward to reading more of his books. "
— Robert, 8/1/2009" Insightful and fascinating. A must read/listen to for history buffs. "
— Angie, 7/29/2009" Every time I hear David McCullough speak, he inspires me to study more history, to study more in general, and to write...always to write. I love it. This lecture is informative, interesting and inspiring. It's only 45 mintues long, so I intend to listen to it several more times. "
— Adrienne, 7/20/2009" All Americans need to listen to this book and understand there responsibility to our country. History is important and we all play a part in. As someone once said “if we don’t learn from history we are condemned to repeat it.” "
— Theo, 6/25/2009" Short and sweet. This is perfect 4th of July material. "
— Dan, 6/20/2009" Not really a book, but interesting enough. "
— Thomas, 3/29/2009" Short, but very insightful and inspirational. In this lecture, McCullough talks about the role of history in our lives, and how it played a role in the lives of our founding fathers. This greatly increases my respect for McCullough and the study of history. Highly recommended for everyone. "
— Ben, 10/14/2008" David McCullough is a historian for the love of history. This is a great short lecture about the fundamental nature and role history should play in our present, in our day to day life. "
— Raelene, 9/16/2008David McCullough (1933-2022), acclaimed historian and #1 New York Times bestselling author, twice won the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback. His other acclaimed books are 1776, Brave Companions, The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, The Greater Journey, and The Wright Brothers. He was awarded numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, and more than forty honorary degrees. In 1995, the National Book Foundation conferred on him its lifetime Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.