Politics & Government
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The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For
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 way forward.
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 way forward.
Editorial Reviews
"This book is a gift. . . . It's a powerful argument for keeping history alive." -- Michael Schaub ― NPR
"[McCullough] is one of the great historical storytellers of his generation. . . . Fundamentally Mr. McCullough loves the American story and its most illustrious characters." -- Robert W. Merry ― The Wall Street Journal
"A national treasure, McCullough performs a national service in The American Spirit. Insightful and inspirational, it summons a vexed and divided nation to remember - and cherish - our unifying ideas and ideals." -- Jay Strafford ― Richmond Times Dispatch
"McCullough's passion for history and his profound belief in America, or at least his vision of America . . . is both encompassing and deeply hopeful. . . .Clio, the muse of history, smiles and nods her head on every page." ― Kirkus Reviews
"McCullough perfectly embodies the part of remember-in-chief. . . . Happily, the same qualities that inform McCullough's histories and biographies also shape his speeches. He is, whether at his desk or a lectern, a consummate storyteller."
-- Danny Heitman ― Christian Science Monitor
"Very few among us possess the encompassing and informed perspective on America's past and present that historian and best-selling author McCullough has gained over decades of research. . . . McCullough's legions of fans will flock to this edifying collection." ― Booklist
"A carefully crafted, well-reasoned, heartfelt testament to what this nation can be - past, present, and we must believe - future."
-- Barbara Hall ― The Providence Journal
"Acclaimed historian David McCullough's The American Spirit is as inspirational as it is brilliant, as simple as it is sophisticated. It will at the same time make you laugh and give rise to tears of despair. . . . This is not patriotic boilerplate. McCullough is a historian and a realist. He sees his nation with all its warts, beginning with its indelible birthmark of slavery and continuing through to today's government dysfunction and political polarization. Yet he remains confident and upbeat." -- Edward Cuddihy ― Buffalo News
"This collection captures McCullough's passion and vigor throughout. . . . [His] enthusiasm for history is infectious." -- Andrew Carroll ―
"[McCullough] is one of the great historical storytellers of his generation. . . . Fundamentally Mr. McCullough loves the American story and its most illustrious characters." -- Robert W. Merry ― The Wall Street Journal
"A national treasure, McCullough performs a national service in The American Spirit. Insightful and inspirational, it summons a vexed and divided nation to remember - and cherish - our unifying ideas and ideals." -- Jay Strafford ― Richmond Times Dispatch
"McCullough's passion for history and his profound belief in America, or at least his vision of America . . . is both encompassing and deeply hopeful. . . .Clio, the muse of history, smiles and nods her head on every page." ― Kirkus Reviews
"McCullough perfectly embodies the part of remember-in-chief. . . . Happily, the same qualities that inform McCullough's histories and biographies also shape his speeches. He is, whether at his desk or a lectern, a consummate storyteller."
-- Danny Heitman ― Christian Science Monitor
"Very few among us possess the encompassing and informed perspective on America's past and present that historian and best-selling author McCullough has gained over decades of research. . . . McCullough's legions of fans will flock to this edifying collection." ― Booklist
"A carefully crafted, well-reasoned, heartfelt testament to what this nation can be - past, present, and we must believe - future."
-- Barbara Hall ― The Providence Journal
"Acclaimed historian David McCullough's The American Spirit is as inspirational as it is brilliant, as simple as it is sophisticated. It will at the same time make you laugh and give rise to tears of despair. . . . This is not patriotic boilerplate. McCullough is a historian and a realist. He sees his nation with all its warts, beginning with its indelible birthmark of slavery and continuing through to today's government dysfunction and political polarization. Yet he remains confident and upbeat." -- Edward Cuddihy ― Buffalo News
"This collection captures McCullough's passion and vigor throughout. . . . [His] enthusiasm for history is infectious." -- Andrew Carroll ―
Readers Top Reviews
L. Jerome Redmond
Outstanding speeches by the author over the years on America. History is our lifeblood in America and David McCullough clearly understands that it is story telling. Must read for all High School, and University students in America.
spymasterL. Jerom
A short but inspiring book from the great David McCullough. It tells us the impossible odds the American revolution and its leaders had to face. What we take as commonplace now were revolutionary ideals during the 1700s. Other things discussed are the importance of education and curiosity.
NancyspymasterL.
Although I usually order for my Kindle, I prefer hardbacks when it comes to David McCullough, considering his books as valuable gems adorning my library; The American Spirit is the seventh I have read. This latest one is another McCullough treasure which revisits fifteen of his speeches given to mark uniquely American occasions, from a naturalization ceremony held at Monticello to the 50th anniversary of JFK's assassination. He convincingly argues that knowledge of our country's history is a necessary and vital foundation for progress. What individual on the national stage would I most like to chat with over a cup of tea? David McCullough! American history is his lifeblood, and he delivers it knowledgeably, lovingly and accessibly in print, so I assume that the nation's demand, over the past half-century, for his spoken word to validate their patriotic celebrations proves he is equally effective verbally. What a teacher! What a patriot!
William J. BahrNa
I love this book. It’s a chronological collection of the most important 15 of many speeches America’s most honored historian gave over 27 years, ending in 2016. For me, the book is essentially about the importance character has played in the American saga. I should start by saying that my favorite American era is the Revolutionary War, and for a book I wrote about George Washington’s Liberty Key (Mount Vernon’s Bastille Key), Mr. McCullough graciously sent me a note to confirm an idea I thought I heard him say sometime earlier in a video interview: “The American Revolution was all about character.” Elsewhere, he had previously written, “Character it’s what counts most of all. [That’s] what’s taught in the story of the Revolution.” This was complemented by renowned historian Gordon Wood writing: “The Revolution is the most important event in American history. … The things we believe in came out of that revolution.” So I very much welcomed this 2017 book from Mr. McCullough, which I bought and read as soon as it came out. As I reread it now, here are a few of the “character” gems I find: Referring to South Africa’s Nelson Mandela: “And we saw greatness, too, in the conduct and character of the white man he replaced, President F.W. de Klerk.” “History teaches that character counts. Character above all.” “As Truman saw the presidency, the chief responsibility was to make decisions and he made some of the most difficult and far-reaching of any president. If not brilliant or eloquent, he was courageous and principled. The invisible something he brought to the office was character.” Per John Adams earnest wishes, now engraved on the White House mantelpiece: “I pray to heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.” “The Greeks said that character is destiny, and the more I read of the human story, the more convinced I am they were right.” I would point out that, for a new edition, the following assertion on page 91 might be clarified: “A third of the country was for it [independence], a third of the country was against it, and the remaining third, in the old human way, was waiting to see who came out on top.” According to “All Things Liberty,” this frequently characterized split in revolutionary-era Americans was made by John Adams. However, he was referring not to the American Revolution but the American view of the French Revolution. From my own research on the American Revolution, other historians place the ratio somewhere around 10% for the American Revolution, 10% against, and 80% just wanting to be left alone. However, as the Revolution progressed, the percentages varied wildly depending upon prospects for independence. It's been written that, at most, those for the Revolution did not exceed 45% and...
Short Excerpt Teaser
The American Spirit
