Dorie McCullough Lawson & Michael Hill — History Matters episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 29, 2025 · 1H 4M

Dorie McCullough Lawson & Michael Hill — History Matters

from Politics and Prose Presents · host Politics and Prose

History Matters brings together selected essays by beloved historian David McCullough, some published here for the first time, written at different points over the course of his long career but all focused on the subject of his lifelong passion: the importance of history in understanding our present and future. Edited by McCullough's daughter, Dorie McCullough Lawson, and his longtime researcher, Michael Hill, History Matters is a tribute to a master historian and offers fresh insights into McCullough's enduring interests and writing life. The book also features a foreword by Jon Meacham.McCullough highlights the importance of character in political leaders, with Harry Truman and George Washington serving as exemplars of American values like optimism and determination. He shares his early influences, from the books he cherished in his youth to the people who mentored him. He also pays homage to those who inspired him, such as writer Paul Horgan and painter Thomas Eakins, illustrating the diverse influences on his writing as well as the influence of art.Rich with McCullough's signature grace, curiosity, and narrative gifts, these essays offer vital lessons in viewing history through the eyes of its participants, a perspective that McCullough believed was crucial to understanding the present as well as the past. History Matters is testament to McCullough's legacy as one of the great storytellers of this nation's history and of the lasting promise of American ideals.Dorie McCullough Lawson is David McCullough's daughter and worked with him for nearly three decades. She is the author of three previous books, including Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children.Michael Hill is an independent historical researcher who worked with David McCullough for over thirty years. He is also the author of three previous books, including a biography of Elihu Washburne. He served as a historical consultant for the HBO production of David McCullough's John Adams.https://politics-prose.com/book/9781668098998?ic_referral=om-q0gANGaORgY2yVXwIBYK-RZ-IX6GRvRdenrIcxKEwM3Iu2-JMOO4VAp2031ZqPTX7O1CJ9K71feQOmu7zQbzLSaMuIbzmke_e0r0LHNIUbCEueOLF99lkEOJi70Ff5aKemK0

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Dorie McCullough Lawson & Michael Hill — History Matters

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