Best Literary Speeches
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, 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 . 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. 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) David McCullough has 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 , TheGreat Bridge , Brave Companions , 1776,The Greater Journey , and The Wright Brothers .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Most of them are college commencement addresses - in Boston, Ohio, Missouri and Pittsburgh - and a few mark the anniversary of important monuments (the White House) or events (the Kennedy assassination). He is not bashful about taking this 'Great Man' view of history, since many of the characters he picks exemplify well the essential qualities of this country. In speeches intended to commemorate buildings, McCullough also lovingly describes the rich history of monuments like the White House and Capitol Hill and cities like Pittsburgh and Boston. Throughout the book, McCullough emphasizes many of the qualities that exemplified this country's history: "the fundamental decency, the tolerance and insistence on truth and the good-heartedness of the American people". There is also bravery here, exemplified by the Founding Fathers' decision to defy the King of England under threat of execution, by abolitionists' denunciation of slavery and by the ceaseless optimism of scores of politicians and common Americans who wanted to change the direction of this country for the better. There was Margaret Smith who stood up against Joseph McCarthy and said that she did not want "to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the four horsemen of calumny - fear, ignorance, bigotry and smear". There was physician Benjamin Rush who emphasized "candor, gentleness, and a disposition to speak with civility and to listen with attention to everybody". McCullough tells us how many of the most important Founding Fathers and presidents put learning and books front and center, not just in their own evolution but in their vision for America."
"David McCullough has spent his professional lifetime exploring the people and events that form a goodly part of what we call American history. “Its inner workings ticked off the minutes and hours through debate on the Gag Rule, the annexation of Texas, the Mexican War, tariffs, postal service, the establishment of the Naval Academy, statehood for Arkansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, matters related to immigration, the Gold Rush, Statehood for California, the fateful Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the final hours of John Quincy Adams,” he writes. In these speeches, McCullough talks of buildings and commemorations, historical figures known and not-so-known, and events that we’ve heard so often they seem trite but in his hands become living things. During a time like now, when divisiveness, rage, and outrage are the political order (or disorder) of the day, “The American Spirit” is a potent reminder of what we've had, what we’re risking, and what we might need to do to recover."
"How on earth do we add trump's name to that list of dedicated, thoughtful, country loving Americans who made our lives and our children's lives better. I never add politics to any reviews I've done, but in this case it can't be avoided because of circumstances now that we're surrounded by and of course this book deals specifically with American history and the Americans who made our country great."
"Mr. McCullough stands as a fine example of the importance of reading, specifically history, but most any genre and topic, thereby promoting the significance of being educated."
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. Fundamentally Mr. McCullough loves the American story and its most illustrious characters.” (Robert W. Merry The Wall Street Journal ). Insightful and inspirational, it summons a vexed and divided nation to remember - and cherish - our unifying ideas and ideals.” (Jay Strafford Richmond Times Dispatch ). 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. “A carefully crafted, well-reasoned, heartfelt testament to what this nation can be — past, present, and we must believe — future.”. “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. 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.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Most of them are college commencement addresses - in Boston, Ohio, Missouri and Pittsburgh - and a few mark the anniversary of important monuments (the White House) or events (the Kennedy assassination). He is not bashful about taking this 'Great Man' view of history, since many of the characters he picks exemplify well the essential qualities of this country. In speeches intended to commemorate buildings, McCullough also lovingly describes the rich history of monuments like the White House and Capitol Hill and cities like Pittsburgh and Boston. Throughout the book, McCullough emphasizes many of the qualities that exemplified this country's history: "the fundamental decency, the tolerance and insistence on truth and the good-heartedness of the American people". There is also bravery here, exemplified by the Founding Fathers' decision to defy the King of England under threat of execution, by abolitionists' denunciation of slavery and by the ceaseless optimism of scores of politicians and common Americans who wanted to change the direction of this country for the better. There was Margaret Smith who stood up against Joseph McCarthy and said that she did not want "to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the four horsemen of calumny - fear, ignorance, bigotry and smear". There was physician Benjamin Rush who emphasized "candor, gentleness, and a disposition to speak with civility and to listen with attention to everybody". McCullough tells us how many of the most important Founding Fathers and presidents put learning and books front and center, not just in their own evolution but in their vision for America."
"David McCullough has spent his professional lifetime exploring the people and events that form a goodly part of what we call American history. “Its inner workings ticked off the minutes and hours through debate on the Gag Rule, the annexation of Texas, the Mexican War, tariffs, postal service, the establishment of the Naval Academy, statehood for Arkansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, matters related to immigration, the Gold Rush, Statehood for California, the fateful Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the final hours of John Quincy Adams,” he writes. In these speeches, McCullough talks of buildings and commemorations, historical figures known and not-so-known, and events that we’ve heard so often they seem trite but in his hands become living things. During a time like now, when divisiveness, rage, and outrage are the political order (or disorder) of the day, “The American Spirit” is a potent reminder of what we've had, what we’re risking, and what we might need to do to recover."
"How on earth do we add trump's name to that list of dedicated, thoughtful, country loving Americans who made our lives and our children's lives better. I never add politics to any reviews I've done, but in this case it can't be avoided because of circumstances now that we're surrounded by and of course this book deals specifically with American history and the Americans who made our country great."
"Mr. McCullough stands as a fine example of the importance of reading, specifically history, but most any genre and topic, thereby promoting the significance of being educated."
Through stunning images by White House photographers and beyond, as well as notable essays and quotes from a broad spectrum of people, Obama looks back at President Obama’s journey—from his remarkable victory to his final days in office and the significant milestones along the way. His films have been honored with 15 Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and two Oscar nominations.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"An amazing keepsake for future generations."
"The book?"
"(BTW: A nice surprise is under the jacket of the book with President Obama's signature embossed into the front of the book)."
"Outstanding!!"
"Thank You Mr. President (Obama)."
"Absolutely loved reading President Obama's speeches as well as the narrative about his presidency."
"Their standard of ethics and their moral responsibility to America is unsurpassed by anyone in recent history in the White House."
"Purchased one as a gift."
Best Literary Letters
A lifetime of letters, collected for the first time, from the legendary musician and songwriter. "[Davies] has done a sensitive and scrupulous job collecting and annotating Lennon's letters, and the book is beautifully designed." "A massive deposit of freshly excavated notes, screeds, asides and howls, each lavishly reproduced and carefully annotated, 'Letters' is the most intimate book ever published about Lennon. "... Lennon's collected letters -- 285 of them, richly contextualized and handsomely presented... -- make for fascinating reading."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"John's handwritten letters, reproduced with his little cartoons and all, transcribed with plenty of context."
"They range from 'thank you' notes to relatives for gifts received as a child, to letters dealing with the legal affairs of the Beatles break up and more. The writings are not just limited to letters, there are postcards, drawings, and other assorted bits and pieces of notes that Lennon used."
"Only down-side is it hits you right in the heart what a terrible loss his death is to the world."
"This is a great book that I bought for a Beatles fan as a gift."
"This is a beautiful book, so gorgeous and white you want to wear gloves to turn the pages."
"This collection of writings from John to various people in his life provides a great balance to things I've read about him."
"as long as i have been a BEATLES fan, there have been books , books and books written about them, and John."
"John books are the best inspiration for a boring day , or to share in a circle of friends."
Best Literary Diaries & Journals
to roam a wilderness through which few other humans has passed . Thousands have had such dreams, but Richard Proenneke lived them. Keith based the text on the journals and photography of Richard Proenneke, who, after racking up years of 50-hour work weeks, did what many of us only fantasize about: he chucked it all and went to live in the woods.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Read how Richard Proenneke built his cabin by hand and thrived (mostly alone) in the bush. What This Book Is: - An important introduction to Richard Proenneke's story. - Heavily edited (I would even say rewritten). - A pleasant, easy read (goes great with the 2-part documentary that airs on PBS). - Easy to get your hands on very quickly. What This Book Is Not: - Richard Proenneke's authentic journals, in his OWN words. - Proenneke's story told in his own voice. I was captivated after watching the 2-part PBS documentary, "Alone in the Wilderness". Bottom Line: - I would rate this book ("One Man's Wilderness") 3.5 stars if I could. - I would rate "The Early Years" 5 stars, hands down. - I recommend this book as an easier, quicker read."
"I have been to Alaska and my family made memories we will tell for the rest of our lives, the desire to go back and explore more is a fire that's been fully ignited."
"I was telling my husband about this book as I started reading it. There is nothing dull about this book and I suspect the people who find it dull haven't any interest in living in the wilderness without Blackberries, i-pods, automobiles and restaurants."
"I've read it a couple of times."
"Not because it has a sad ending, I was just sad to no longer share in the adventure."
"Dick could fabricate or make virtually everything he needed...pots and pans out of gas can tins, forks and spoons out of stump wood, tables, chairs, bunk beds, even wooden hinges!"
"If you have never traveled to remote Alaska, you will want to after reading his book."
"A very special book by a very special author."
Best Essays
Lewis, the most important writer of the 20th century, explores the common ground upon which all of those of Christian faith stand together. The volume on the Blackstone edition is recorded at a higher level than HarperAudio's. Whether or not one agrees with Lewis's arguments, it is a pleasure to hear such a skillful reading of an eloquent work.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It is a timeless classic that is as true today as when it was originally penned by Lewis as a series of talks given in London over the BBC during the challenging days of WW2. As you work through this great book take some time to digest the material in each chapter and reflect upon the material that Lewis covers and the thoroughness of his argument and perspectives."
"He expertly (and extensively) uses metaphor to help mere humans understand the incomprehensible facts about God. Lewis's explanation of Christian doctrine from the ground up helps the Christian fill in the blank parts of their theological understanding."
"This book is a very interesting read for Christians, regardless of your religious background."
"Rereading it now I see that this is still an excellent and relevant book for those who are exploring, or new to, following Christ today."
"His insight cuts right to the core of the matter, and he is able to share his insights in a simple and accessible style. He presents a rational argument for his belief in Christianity, and while it may not convert the most stalwart atheists, I do believe it would help them to understand the fundamental belief system shared by most mainstream Christian denominations."
"This book has helped me tremendously on my journey."
"A must read."
"Mere Christianity is a GREAT book, but DO NOT BUY THIS VERSION."