Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Simon & Schuster Audio (2017)
Description
History. Politics. Nonfiction. HTML:A New York Times Bestseller A timely collection of speeches by David McCullough, the most honored historian in the United States�??winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among many others�??that reminds us of fundamental American principles. "Insightful and inspirational, The American Spirit summons a vexed and divided nation to remember�??and cherish�??our unifying ideas and ideals" (Richmond Times-Dispatch). Over the course of his distinguished career, McCullough has spoken before Congress, the White House, colleges and universities, historical societies, and other esteemed institutions. Now, at a time of self-reflection in America following the bitter 2016 election campaign that has left the country divided, McCullough has collected some of his most important speeches in a brief volume that celebrates the important principles and characteristics that are particularly American. "The American Spirit is as inspirational as it is brilliant, as simple as it is sophisticated" (Buffalo News). McCullough reminds us of the core American values that define us, regardless of which region we live in, which political party we identify with, or our ethnic background. This is a book about America for all Americans that reminds us who we are and helps to guide us as we find our… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Doondeck
McCullough has such a talent for writing. It's a wonderful ability to make even the complex understandable and relatable. You know that he absolutely loves what he does. This volume is a collection of mostly commencement speeches he's delivered over the years.
LibraryThing member RolandB
Excellent, equal to all his other books. Inspirational
LibraryThing member Renzomalo
A quick, uplifting read IF you're into American History and American Exceptionalism. If not, leave it on the shelf. Also a bit melancholy in that the American Spirit of which David McCullough speaks seems on its deathbed with today's "selfie/sound-bite" generation. Hope springs eternal though as
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the individual speeches are treasure troves of historical gems rendered in terms relevant to the individual event and basically state that we are the beneficiaries of those who came before us. And this is not to be confused with the politically specious "You didn't build that!" Of course you did, as did the generations before. Four stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member Renzomalo
A quick, uplifting read IF you're into American History and American Exceptionalism. If not, leave it on the shelf. Also a bit melancholy in that the American Spirit of which David McCullough speaks seems on its deathbed with today's "selfie/sound-bite" generation. Hope springs eternal though as
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the individual speeches are treasure troves of historical gems rendered in terms relevant to the individual event and basically state that we are the beneficiaries of those who came before us. And this is not to be confused with the politically specious "You didn't build that!" Of course you did, as did the generations before. Four stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member John_Warner
This Pulitzer Prize historian has compiled a number of speeches that he had made at college graduations and anniversary ceremonies for the White House, Congress, and the Library of Congress. The history for each speech regarding the founder of the college or the institution itself is well
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researched and revealed in an enjoyable manner. McCullough will make you proud of American again. Show Less
LibraryThing member nittnut
A collection of speeches given at university graduations, historical societies and before Congress, Mr. McCullough reminds us of our history and core values. Excellent series of short pieces. He never disappoints.
LibraryThing member ValerieAndBooks
This was a Christmas gift from my youngest. He knows me well. McCullough, in my opinion, is an excellent historian. This volume is a collection of speeches he gave at various locations (mostly at college graduations) over the past several years.
If you are familiar with McCullough's works, you will
I especially liked this:
"Read. Read, read! Read the classics of American literature that you've never opened. Read your country's history. How can we profess to love our country and take no interest in its history? Read into the history of Greece and Rome. Read about the great turning points in the history of science and medicine and ideas.
Read for pleasure, to be sure. I adore a good thriller or a first-rate murder mystery. But take seriously-- read closely-- books that have stood the test of time. Study a masterpiece, take it apart, study its architecture, its vocabulary, its intent. Underline, make notes in the margins, and after a few years, go back and read it again.
Make use of the public libraries. Start your own personal library and see it grow. Talk about the books you're reading. Ask others what they're reading. You'll learn a lot". (pp. 147-148)
If you are familiar with McCullough's works, you will
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not be surprised that he often brings up topics and subjects that he has written about: The American Revolution, John Adams, Harry Truman. But he adds insight in these speeches, not just a re-hashing of the past (which we all certainly need to learn from).I especially liked this:
"Read. Read, read! Read the classics of American literature that you've never opened. Read your country's history. How can we profess to love our country and take no interest in its history? Read into the history of Greece and Rome. Read about the great turning points in the history of science and medicine and ideas.
Read for pleasure, to be sure. I adore a good thriller or a first-rate murder mystery. But take seriously-- read closely-- books that have stood the test of time. Study a masterpiece, take it apart, study its architecture, its vocabulary, its intent. Underline, make notes in the margins, and after a few years, go back and read it again.
Make use of the public libraries. Start your own personal library and see it grow. Talk about the books you're reading. Ask others what they're reading. You'll learn a lot". (pp. 147-148)
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LibraryThing member MrDickie
Nice collection of speeches given by Pulitzer Price winner, David McCullough. Illustrated with interesting colored photos.
LibraryThing member walterhistory
McCullough's The American Spirit is a series of speeches, 15 in all given over a period of 25 years. He opens his introduction with these words, "History...is a larger way of looking at life. It is a source of strength, of inspiration. It is about who we are & what we stand for & is essential to
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our understanding of what our own role should be in our time. History...is human. It is about people, & they speak to us across the years." The 15 speeches he gives are short & concise but each time, they reflect his views stated in his introduction. His mastery of storytelling shines through every speech. I hope the reader will enjoy these speeches as much as I did & learn something new. Show Less
LibraryThing member DerekCaelin
As a collection of speeches, the book does not dive deep into any particular event or person from history. McCollough skates along over many events and pulls from history to make a point fitting the occasion for his speech. This leaves the overall experience a little shallow, but I still found
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perspectives and quotes that were thought provoking and interesting. Show Less
LibraryThing member erwinkennythomas
David McCullough’s The American Spirit is filled with the author’s thinking about life in America. This book covered a wide range of topics. His speeches reflected on Congress, life-long learning, historical buildings, and some of America’s most famous presidents.
McCullough’s talks were
The author stressed in his speeches the importance of learning. He told his audiences to read, read, read. And indicated how it was essential to have a well-rounded education by studying the arts, science, sociology, psychology, ethics, and history. McCullough talked about how people have to know from whence they came, and where they are going. That’s why he zeroed in on the importance of having them read history.
McCullough’s talks were
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before Congress, at a naturalization ceremony in Charlottesville, Virginia, colleges and universities – two of which were in Massachusetts, and at the dedication of historical houses, especially one where Abagail Adams wrote president John Adams. Readers also got glimpses of the White House in Washington DC that was under construction, before John Adams moved in.The author stressed in his speeches the importance of learning. He told his audiences to read, read, read. And indicated how it was essential to have a well-rounded education by studying the arts, science, sociology, psychology, ethics, and history. McCullough talked about how people have to know from whence they came, and where they are going. That’s why he zeroed in on the importance of having them read history.
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LibraryThing member tuckerresearch
A collection of speeches given by the (now late) David McCullough over the years. Some were given to graduating college classes, others to politicians, and the like. McCullough is an excellent writer and historian. His insights into history and life should be given some credit. (Though you may not
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agree always.) A good book to help understand and delineate the "American spirit." Show Less
Awards
Christopher Award (2018)