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

by David McCullough

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6582235,175 (4.14)12
History. Politics. Nonfiction. HTML:A New York Times Bestseller

A timely collection of speeches by David McCullough, the most honored historian in the United Statesâ??winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among many othersâ??that reminds us of fundamental American principles.
"Insightful and inspirational, The American Spirit summons a vexed and divided nation to rememberâ??and cherishâ??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
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» See also 12 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 23 (next | show all)
David McCullough is one of my favorite American historians. This slim book of some of his speeches, mostly commencement addresses, was a perfect read for Independence Day. The subject of most of the speeches is American history (not surprising), a number having to do with the Founding Fathers, and his observations are full of wit, patriotism, and optimism. My favorite observation was: "[I]t seems to me that one of the truths about history that needs to be made clear to a student or to a reader is that nothing ever had to happen the way it happened. History could have gone off in any number of directions in any number of different ways at almost any point, just as your own life can. . . . . Nothing happens in a vacuum. Actions have consequences. These observations all sound self-evident. But they're not -- and particularly to a young person trying to understand life." ( )
  bschweiger | Feb 4, 2024 |
This little book is a gem. ( )
  AngelClaw | Oct 2, 2023 |
A fantastic collection of short addresses by McCullough, whose insight, knowledge of history, and skill as a storyteller shines through brilliantly.

Highly recommended for a dose of sanity in today's toxic world, and for those who love America, history, or David McCullough (or maybe all three). ( )
  alrajul | Jun 1, 2023 |
I learned so much more about the history of our great United States by listening to all these great speeches. ( )
  KatieLynnLibrarian | Apr 17, 2023 |
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 agree always.) A good book to help understand and delineate the "American spirit." ( )
  tuckerresearch | Jan 4, 2023 |
Showing 1-5 of 23 (next | show all)
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History. Politics. Nonfiction. HTML:A New York Times Bestseller

A timely collection of speeches by David McCullough, the most honored historian in the United Statesâ??winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among many othersâ??that reminds us of fundamental American principles.
"Insightful and inspirational, The American Spirit summons a vexed and divided nation to rememberâ??and cherishâ??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

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