Download PDF Brave Companions Portraits In History David McCullough Books

Product details Paperback 240 pages Publisher Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (November 1, 1992) Language English ISBN-10 0671792768

Brave Companions Portraits In History David McCullough Books Reviews

• Strange as it may seem this is the first book I've read by historian David McCullough, and I thought his short works would be a good introduction to his writing style. "Brave Companions" is a collection of essays written over the years for magazine articles or as lectures, so there is no overlaying connection or theme other than that they're all of historical subjects. Each essay was fascinating on its own covering a wide range of subjects from game changing engineering projects, historical research, important places and times. And, of course, people, all kinds of people--some out of the past while others were more contemporary to our times. The author did a lot of traveling and interviewing for these essays and his efforts and writing skills are apparent in each piece. Like all compilations of short works some essays are more interesting than others; depending on the readers personal tastes. Since I like reading about history, whatever the subject, I enjoyed all of the pieces and got exactly what I wanted from this book. I found McCullough's writing to be well researched, interesting and informative, it held my interest from cover to cover. I was already acquainted with some of his subjects like Theodore Roosevelt and Alexander Von Humboldt while others, like Harriet Beecher Stowe (author "Uncle Tom's Cabin"), were less familiar. In each case the subject was fascinating, and sometimes disturbing, but I often came away with a new appreciation for the places, events and people that make up our human history. In "Brave Companions" you will learn about building a famous bridge from scratch, the early days of flying, the dangers of Caisson's Disease and a little known, Pulitzer Prize winning author of numerous novels. All in all this is a brilliant look at the many facets of World History and the people and places that make the study of the past memorable. There's more, a lot more, in this wonderful collection of historical sketches, but read it for yourself, see if you agree. I had no technical or downloading problems with this edition.
  
  Last Ranger
• "Portraits in History" is the subtitle of this collection of essays, biographical studies, and speeches "produced over a period of nearly twenty years." They are "about subjects as dissimilar as Alexander von Humboldt and Conrad Richter" and "written for such different occasions as college commencement ... and the ceremonies celebrating the bicentennial of the United States Congress." The seventeen chapters are loosely grouped into five sections. Each section, each chapter, each entry varies in length and approach, some are in-depth studies, some are dialogues, interviews or sketches, some of very personal recollections or even general bemoaning of lack of general knowledge - not being familiar with Antietam/Sharpsburg but having walked the Vietnam Memorial. The few times McCullough slips, it is jarring - maybe he does it on purpose? For example, when describing Washington, the long walks in the morning, he talks about the climate - "I like the climate, the slow shift of the seasons here. ...Summers are murder ..." I kept notes of all the books I have to rediscover or locate - enough to keep me very busy for a while. The subjects of McCullough's portraits come to life as "The Unexpected Mrs. Stowe," author of Uncle Tom's Cabin did - and I am now wondering about the relationship with her husband's first wife. And then the history of founder of Radcliffe or the plans of the Brooklyn Bridge ... It is a wonderful collection.
• Loved it. Felt like every chapter focused on someone or something that I SHOULD know about. A healthy and delicious stew.
  Only one problem The date of original publication should have been included with the title of each chapter - instead of tucked away elsewhere in the book. Once I found the publication listing, I wrote the date at the beginning of each chapter. Makes a HUGE difference in the context of each piece.
• If you want to learn something about lesser known historical figures this is the book for you. As one would expect from McCullough the writing is excellent. I guarantee it will induce you to learn more about the people he profiles, e.g., Beryl Markham, a woman who had the guts and courage of a junkyard dog. Read her fantastic memoir, West with the Night, certainly one of the best books I have ever read. McCullough also includes an speech which he gave to a college graduating class that should be required reading for every literate person. Highly recommended.