Historian David McCullough breathes life into epic year

In some circles, historian [David McCullough] has long been something of a controversial figure. For a few decades McCullough has been writing works of nonfiction that have been original in their content and noteworthy for their rigorous research. McCullough has won two Pulitzer Prizes as a reward f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inKnight Ridder Tribune News Service p. 1
Main Author Barnett, Dean
Format Newsletter
LanguageEnglish
Published Washington Tribune Content Agency LLC 25.05.2005
Subjects
McCullough, David
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Summary:In some circles, historian [David McCullough] has long been something of a controversial figure. For a few decades McCullough has been writing works of nonfiction that have been original in their content and noteworthy for their rigorous research. McCullough has won two Pulitzer Prizes as a reward for his efforts. It wasn't the Pulitzers that rankled McCullough's critics. What bothered them was that McCullough's books were so lively, so intelligent, such compellingly good reads that they actually became popular. Even though his books reflected the diligent research characteristic of the most tedious professorial monograph, they still found a wide audience. Thus, McCullough's critics have on occasion haughtily dismissed his books as examples of "popular history." McCullough communicates this thesis with great skill and sensitivity. In doing so, he proves once again that history is vital, indeed profoundly so, for gaining an understanding of contemporary events. With "1776," David McCullough has added another masterwork to his collection, one that is both informative and inspiring.