The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For

by David McCullough

Overview

A New York Times Bestseller

A timely collection of speeches by David McCullough, one of America’s most honored historians—winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom—that reminds us of the enduring principles at the heart of the American experience.

“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 addressed Congress, the White House, universities, and historical institutions across the country. Now, in an era of self-reflection following a divisive political season, he brings together these stirring speeches in a powerful volume celebrating civic duty, American character, and historical perspective.

“The American Spirit is as inspirational as it is brilliant, as simple as it is sophisticated” (Buffalo News). McCullough reminds us of the values that unite us as Americans—regardless of region, political affiliation, or background. This is a book of history, hope, and reflection that speaks directly to readers seeking wisdom, unity, and a deeper connection to the ideals that define the United States.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781501174209
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster
Publication date:	04/18/2017
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	32 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

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.

Hometown:

West Tisbury, Massachusetts

Date of Birth:

July 7, 1933

Place of Birth:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Education:

B.A., Yale University, 1955

Website:

http://authors.simonandschuster.com/David-McCullough/938

Read an Excerpt

The American Spirit




David McCullough addressing Congress

Table of Contents

Introduction xiii

Simon Willard's Clock 1

Civilization and the City 15

The Spirit of Jefferson 25

Which Way Forward 33

The Animating Spirit 43

The Lessons of History 53

What's Essential Is Invisible 59

The First to Reside Here 77

History Lost and Found 83

The Bulwark of Freedom 95

Knowing Who We Are 105

The Ties That Bind 121

The Love of Learning 141

The Summons to Serve 149

A Building Like Not Other 157

Acknowledgments 172

Photo Credits 173

Editorial Reviews

"This book is a gift. . . . It's a powerful argument for keeping history alive."

NPR - Michael Schaub

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.

Buffalo News - Edward Cuddihy

[McCullough] is one of the great historical storytellers of his generation. . . . Fundamentally Mr. McCullough loves the American story and its most illustrious characters.

The Wall Street Journal - Robert W. Merry

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.”

Christian Science Monitor - Danny Heitman

A carefully crafted, well-reasoned, heartfelt testament to what this nation can be — past, present, and we must believe — future.”

The Providence Journal - Barbara Hall

"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

"This collection captures McCullough's passion and vigor throughout. . . . [His] enthusiasm for history is infectious."

The Los Angeles Review of Books - Andrew Carroll

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 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.

Richmond Times Dispatch - Jay Strafford

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

2017-03-20
A collection of speeches by the Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning historian and biographer.Arranged chronologically, the texts of these speeches—most were university graduation talks—reveal both McCullough's (The Wright Brothers, 2015, etc.) passion for history and his profound belief in America, or at least his vision of America, which is both encompassing and deeply hopeful. A number of significant historical figures appear throughout: John and Abigail Adams—McCullough, of course, published a Pulitzer-winning biography of John in 2001—John Quincy Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. The author also focuses on some who are slightly less well known: Lafayette, Simon Willard (whose clock in the U.S. Capitol appears in both the first and last of McCullough's speeches), Founder Benjamin Rush, and clergyman Manasseh Cutler, founder of Ohio University. Throughout, the author displays a sincere respect for subject and audience. For the graduation speeches, he researched local history and prominent figures to enliven his talk, and he spoke directly to the graduates, offering advice—e.g., read books, study history, quit saying "like" and "you know." At the national venues (Monticello, the U.S. Capitol), he rehearses their history both with engaging details and sweeping paeans. McCullough is relentlessly positive. At Monticello, for example, he confines his comments about Jefferson's slave owning to a single sentence, and in his account of the long friendship between France and the United States, he does not mention the Iraq War, "freedom fries," etc. But, as Emily Dickinson wrote, "hope is the thing with feathers," and it is that bird that swoops through all. Clio, the muse of history, smiles and nods her head on every page.

Kirkus Reviews