History Matters
Published on 23. October 2025
Book
Hardback
192 pages
978-1-6680-9899-8 (ISBN)
Description
In this posthumous collection of thought-provoking essays-many never published before-Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and bestselling author David McCullough affirms the value of history, how we can be guided by its lessons, and the enduring legacy of American ideals.
History Matters brings together selected essays by beloved historian David McCullough, some published here for the first time, written at different points over the course of his long career but all focused on the subject of his lifelong passion: the importance of history in understanding our present and future. Edited by McCullough's daughter, Dorie McCullough Lawson, and his longtime researcher, Michael Hill, History Matters is a tribute to a master historian and offers fresh insights into McCullough's enduring interests and writing life. The book also features a foreword by Jon Meacham.
McCullough highlights the importance of character in political leaders, with Harry Truman and George Washington serving as exemplars of American values like optimism and determination. He shares his early influences, from the books he cherished in his youth to the people who mentored him. He also pays homage to those who inspired him, such as writer Paul Horgan and painter Thomas Eakins, illustrating the diverse influences on his writing as well as the influence of art.
Rich with McCullough's signature grace, curiosity, and narrative gifts, these essays offer vital lessons in viewing history through the eyes of its participants, a perspective that McCullough believed was crucial to understanding the present as well as the past. History Matters is testament to McCullough's legacy as one of the great storytellers of this nation's history and of the lasting promise of American ideals.
History Matters brings together selected essays by beloved historian David McCullough, some published here for the first time, written at different points over the course of his long career but all focused on the subject of his lifelong passion: the importance of history in understanding our present and future. Edited by McCullough's daughter, Dorie McCullough Lawson, and his longtime researcher, Michael Hill, History Matters is a tribute to a master historian and offers fresh insights into McCullough's enduring interests and writing life. The book also features a foreword by Jon Meacham.
McCullough highlights the importance of character in political leaders, with Harry Truman and George Washington serving as exemplars of American values like optimism and determination. He shares his early influences, from the books he cherished in his youth to the people who mentored him. He also pays homage to those who inspired him, such as writer Paul Horgan and painter Thomas Eakins, illustrating the diverse influences on his writing as well as the influence of art.
Rich with McCullough's signature grace, curiosity, and narrative gifts, these essays offer vital lessons in viewing history through the eyes of its participants, a perspective that McCullough believed was crucial to understanding the present as well as the past. History Matters is testament to McCullough's legacy as one of the great storytellers of this nation's history and of the lasting promise of American ideals.
Reviews / Votes
"A pleasure for fans of old-school historical narratives." * <I>Kirkus Reviews</I> * "A reminder of why he was one of the greatest historians of our time." * <I>Associated Press</I> * "A new collection of works by David McCullough helps put our tumultuous times in perspective. . . . Its seriousness and simplicity reflect the author and make for beauty." -- Peggy Noonan * <I>The Wall Street Journal</I> * "David McCullough's final book delivers an intimate last look at the beloved historian." -- David Shribman * <i>Boston Globe</i> * "Displays McCullough's eye for engrossing anecdotes and ebullient prose. . . . An enjoyable and warmhearted valedictory hymn to the American spirit." * <I>Publishers Weekly</I> *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Illustrations
4-c printed endpapers; one b-w image in front matter;
Dimensions
Height: 212 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
314 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6680-9899-8 (9781668098998)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Persons
David McCullough (1933-2022) twice received 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 include The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, Brave Companions, 1776, The Greater Journey, The American Spirit, The Wright Brothers, and The Pioneers. He was the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. Visit DavidMcCullough.com.
Dorie McCullough Lawson is David McCullough's daughter and worked with him for nearly three decades. She is the author of three previous books, including Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children.
Michael Hill is an independent historical researcher who worked with David McCullough for over thirty years. He is also the author of three previous books, including a biography of Elihu Washburne. He served as a historical consultant for the HBO production of David McCullough's John Adams.
Dorie McCullough Lawson is David McCullough's daughter and worked with him for nearly three decades. She is the author of three previous books, including Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children.
Michael Hill is an independent historical researcher who worked with David McCullough for over thirty years. He is also the author of three previous books, including a biography of Elihu Washburne. He served as a historical consultant for the HBO production of David McCullough's John Adams.