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

I have read and enjoyed many of Mr. McCullough's books, and this one is no exception. The speeches all encourage the understanding of history, but each is unique and I learned a great deal. It was also a quick read - the individual speeches are just the right length for the bits of "free reading" time I have every day. I recommended this book to several friends, all of whom enjoyed it as much as I did.

Quite an interesting read. It was based upon all of his Commensment speeches dating back to the late 1980's. It covered a number of Ivy League schools and some very large universities (Penn State). He often described the history of the school - its founding fathers and any historical significant alumni. Take your time reading because he does cover a lot of history and how that fit in with the politics of the time. Good section on JFK's speech about "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country".

This is a compelling read which helps us better reflect on what it means to be an American. This book hallmarks the critical responsibilities of being an American citizen and what citizenship expects and needs for our American experiment to sustain.

An outstanding message of our great and courageous history of America!!
While reading David McCullough's excellently researched and cleverly written script, I was impressed again with his outstanding ability to make history LIVE. I am so glad to be an American and to have giants behind me who have molded our nation. God bless America and let us continue to build on our great heritage!

Timely and poignant, and at a time of national self-reflection, the speeches McCullough chose for his collection define who we are as individuals and as a nation. The book as a whole reminds readers of the American values inculcated in all of us by birth or naturalized. A quick read, The American Spirit is an essential Summer, especially as we approach July 4th.

Urged by Donald Trump to know more about America, I have been reading about our great nation. Here is one more great read about our accomplishments and the journey past, present, future. Read a speech-per-day and ponder savory details.

A collection of inspiring speeches that make history interesting and relevant, like all of his books. It should be required reading for all congressmen, as should the much longer and deeper "1776", "John Adams", "Truman", etc.

I am neither a frequent reader nor a history buff, but I found this book to be fascinating and compelling. I am anxious to order another book by this fine historian. As many others have commented, to have a balanced world view, it is necessary to know our country's history--what events and leaders have brought us to our current state. One example I found surprising is that the U.S. and France have had a long and strong partnership since the early days of our country. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

A collection of inspiring speeches that make history interesting and relevant, like all of his books. It should be required reading for all congressmen, as should the much longer and deeper "1776", "John Adams", "Truman", etc.

I am neither a frequent reader nor a history buff, but I found this book to be fascinating and compelling. I am anxious to order another book by this fine historian. As many others have commented, to have a balanced world view, it is necessary to know our country's history--what events and leaders have brought us to our current state. One example I found surprising is that the U.S. and France have had a long and strong partnership since the early days of our country. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

I very much like David McCullough--the man, the historian, the writer.

So it pains me to give The American Spirit 3 stars, but in truth this book is pretty thin gruel.

Perhaps commencement speeches (6 of the 15 addresses included in the collection) simply just don't age well. Perhaps they were better when delivered in McCullough's resonant voice. But the speeches all seem to fit a fairly predictable pattern: an exhortation to read history (which I wholeheartedly support), a light touch of some local history, and an observation that America is truly a wonderful nation.

Unfortunately I can't say that I learned anything important, was in any way inspired, or gained any new insights into history or the American spirit. As speeches they may have had the desired effect; as essays they fall disappointingly short.

My advice: skip the book and go back and read some of McCullough's earliest books--The Johnstown Flood, The Path Between the Seas, Mornings on Horseback, 1776. They are wonderful, written with verve, full of fascinating information, and a joy to read. The American Spirit appears--sadly--to be nothing more than a publisher's attempt to cash in on McCullough's reputation, an effort that does a disservice to a great writer, story-teller, and human being.

It's unclear if Mr. McCullough and his publisher planned to release this collection of 15 speeches as some sort of quasi-panacea to Trump being elected president, but it sure felt like it sometimes while reading the book. The author was one of many historians who produced a video that was widely seen on the Internet during the presidential campaign trying to warn citizens that Trump was antithetical to America’s positive ideals. Mr. McCullough's stellar reputation as a historian, insatiable curiosity, and childlike enthusiasm unearthing forgotten people and events from America's past make reading any of his material a true delight.

The author's speeches covering the years between 1989 and 2016. Each speech is dated upon when Mr. McCullough gave it and to what audience. They were given in front of universities and colleges, Congress, naturalization ceremonies, and the White House. They cover such topics as the history of Congress, advocating for a Marshall Plan for cities, Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence, American ideals, the presidency, John and Abigail Adams, the importance of historical landmarks, the value of a life spent learning, President John F. Kennedy's optimism, the unique relationship America has had with France, and the construction of the Capitol Building. Mr. McCullough also includes notables who have regretfully faded into obscurity for most Americans such as Benjamin Rush, Marquis de Lafayette and many contributors (both domestic and foreign) to making the United States what it is today. The book also includes a generous amount of colorful photos interspersed with the speeches.

The book includes many tidbits of American trivia and Mr. McCullough is an unabashedly booster of American exceptionalism. This should be no surprise if you are familiar with the author's work. Also, the speeches were for events celebrating milestones. It's not usually the environment you'd expect a speaker to pee on the parade. I concluded the book with more hope for our country than when I started it. The author’s speeches also left me with a keen interest in learning more about Benjamin Rush and John Quincy Adams. It's a nice collection anytime you're having the political doldrums. I’m holding onto my copy ‘The American Spirit’ like it’s Gollum’s precious.

Historian David McCullough is aware that America is divided and in this book he seeks to remind us all of why we are Americans. This is a book of speeches given over many years. Some of the speeches explain how Americans want to be part of something larger than themselves. The message is also that we should be thankful to all those who have gone before us to gain our freedom. There is a call to action to stay faithful to our beliefs.

By reading this book you will learn interesting facts like that there is a tree that is 4,700 years old and that John Adams carried a book whenever he traveled. There are also some good book recommendations.

Some of the questions this book answers include:

Who was the presidesnt who established the Grand Canyon as a national park?
Who are we and what do we stand for as a nation?
What can we do about the thousands of homeless on our streets?

There is an interesting chapter on presidents and what they did and didn't do. One paragraph about all the things a president has access to was intriguing. 35 limousines!

And who knew that the Library of Congress had 650 miles of shelves with books in 470 languages. That is pretty amazing.

What this author concludes is that the American spirit is still at work and that we can solve America's problems if we really put our minds to the task.

~The Rebecca Review

McCullough will probably be known as one of the greatest historians of the modern time.  This book is a compilation of various speeches McCullough has given over the years.  Most were at commencement speeches to various colleges.  They combine his love of history, with an understanding of the men, women, and events that have shaped our country to form a hopeful view of the future.  Reading this book in the political climate of the Trump presidency is kind of interesting. McCullough is talking about what makes America great; the drive forward, the can-do attitude and the perseverance.  Most of these speeches were written in the mid 90’s.  McCullough thinks that sometimes we give too much weight to who is President.  He comments how Congress is the real political powerhouse because they are a group of people, for the people. 

Presidencies boiled down leave only the potency of language.

McCullough does also go on to say that some men were president in a perfect time for their skill sets.  Sometimes joining or avoiding a war often comes down to the President, and how their actions reflect on all of America.

 

“We love our country not for what it was, not for what it is, though of this we are deeply proud, but for what it some day through the efforts of us all, will be” – John F. Kennedy

 

Since some of these speeches were to graduating college students McCullough wants them to be lifelong students. 

“We are what we read."

He comments how we need to know how we got where we are.  We must know where we came from.  We need to study our history.  Not just as a nation but even our families.  No one is a self-made man, no one got to where they are without some kind of help.  Find the help, be the help. 

 This book was curated in such a way that it does really try to capture the American Spirit.  It does not try to sway one way or the other for political persuasion but comments on how sometimes a single voice of opposition to status quo can change history, and sometimes we are making history right now without being fully aware.  McCullough urges that we weigh out our comments, and continue to read, study, learn, and grow as we become better Americans!

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

AUTHOR: David McCullough

GENRE: History

PAGES: 192

I have to start by saying this is one of the most exceptional books I have read in a very long time. David McCullough gathered some of his speeches given at various commencement ceremonies and celebrations, and gave us a love letter to the United States of America.

In The American Spirit, he shows us what made us great, and what makes us great to this day. He gives words of history, especially in the areas he was speaking at, and gave words of encouragement to read, read history, poetry, literature, and learn. It is in knowing where we came from that we can map out where we should go. Most of all, this book is filled with American pride, and what we should be proud of.

He takes insights of the books he has written; The Path Between the Seas, John Adams, 1776, Truman, Mornings on Horseback, and give us some of the lesser known, but tremendous stories of our American heroes, and states his case to love America for being the great country it is.

5 out of 5 bookmarks and a strong recommendation!

This is a nice little book. You can read through it in just a few sittings. A collection of speeches given at universities/colleges and historical sites such as Monticello, the Capital, Carpenter's Hall, etc. - The American Spirit is a well received addition to David McCullough's contribution to American historical literature.

McCullough hints repeatedly at the importance of not only reading history but contemplating on it and churning it over in one's mind. He denies the naysayers who are convinced all is lost. He hints that "the good old days" are a thing of myth and people have had concerns all throughout American history and this will continue to be the case in the future. However, the good through all struggles faced by this country is the individuals who make it up - the workers, doctors, lawyers, craftsmen, oilmen and most assuredly the teachers.

A welcome addition to any personal library, this book, though short and concise, is full of optimism about past American lives and all of the wonderful potential that awaits us as a nation, should we remember our historically grounded kinsman ship with one another and with our country.

I know that some of you may not be “big” readers. It may be that you find reading difficult, or maybe you just don’t intentionally make the time for it, but I also know that most of you lament the fact that you don’t read as much as you should, or as much as you want to. I’m kind of a “reading evangelist,” but I’m not here to shame you about it. Instead, I want to give a recommendation of a book that I think you need to seriously consider reading. In the cliché of Hollywood, (“If you see only one movie this year…”) let me encourage you, “If you read only one book this year, read this one. Please.”

David McCullough’s newest release (now in paperback, so it isn’t expensive) is The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For. It is fascinating, compelling, timely, and uplifting. Just a few pages of it might make you the smartest person at the next party you attend. The book isn’t long, and the chapters are short. They are actually various speeches that McCullough has given at commencements and ceremonies over the years, but don’t let that make you think about every boring speech you have ever heard. These break that mold. Actually, they smash it to smithereens. The reading is easy because David McCullough is, first, a communicator, who also happens to be a historian.

If I had this book at hand when all my children were young and at home, I probably would have read a chapter aloud to them every night until it was finished.

I will even make you a promise about this book. If you will read it, at least even start it, you will feel that “American Spirit” rise up in you. Tired of Facebook negativity? Read this book as an antidote to the poison. Tired of an “us” and “them” attitude in the media, no matter which side? Read just a couple of the short chapters in this book and breathe fresh air again. And, just in case you are wondering, this remarkable little life-changer of a book has not even a hint of partisan politics. (I have become a true David McCullough fan this year, through John Adams, 1776, and now The American Spirit, and I now have several more of his books on my desk, waiting to be read.)

If I had the power to do so, I would make this book required reading for every single American and prospective American. But I don’t. All I can do is make the plea for you to read it. Because once you do, you will be asking everyone you know to read it, too.

His craggy visage is not on Mt. Rushmore but David McCullough is a national treasure! The Pulitzer Prize winner is a proud native of Pittsburgh and the author of such historical bestsellers as Truman, John Adams, 1776. The Path Between the Seas, Mornings on Horseback, The Johnstown Flood and The Greater Journey as well as other works. His rich voice has narrated such Ken Burns classics as The Civil War and many other documentaries.
This slim volume is a collection of speeches given by McCullough over the course of his long and distinguished writing career. The first chapter records the speech he gave in the Senate in 1989. Chapters remind us of the importance of:
a. Reading as essential to a well lived life.
b. The greatest of such Americans as the Adams family, Thomas Jefferson and the many POTUS who have led our country.
c. The importance of character and truth telling in the public arena and in our personal lives.
d. The vital importance of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution
e. French connections with the United States since the days of the American Revolution. A chapter deals with the Marquis de Lafayette.
f. Rules of conduct given by this sage to graduating college seniors.
g. The importance of hard work in developing one's character and building our nation.
h.McCullough points out many problems in American life including the scourge of slavery but also shows how Americans work to conquer those problems.
This little book makes for a great graduation gift and should be used in courses on American history. David McCullough is a true American patriot and is a Renaissance man whose writings have inspired millions of us. A great little book!

This book is a collection of speeches made by the author, and they are a perfect antidote to the partisan bickering that currently fills our media. David McCullough is not only a respected historian, he is a lover of words. His speeches show the depth of his passion for history and his admiration for the unique characters of the men and women throughout our history that had made us who we are. Although many of the speeches are a decade or more ago, they continue to be relevant today. The wisdom offered by Mr McCullough is inspiring. I listened to the audiobook so I was able to enjoy the speeches in the authors own voice. I highly recommend this book, especially at a time like the present when we all need a reminder of the many courageous individuals who have contributed so much to this country.

David McCullough, as a historian, has chronicled some of the greatest events in history with his bestselling books. In THE AMERICAN SPIRIT, McCullough collects some of the speeches that he’s made in all 50 states. The speeches are varied but an inside look at the thinking of this great American. In Simon Willard’s Clock, he talks about the importance of the Congress and laments some of the important people who have never been written about in biographies. In The Spirit of Jefferson, McCullough encourages new Americans. Each chapter gives his unique insights.

If you love America, THE AMERICAN SPIRIT audiobook will fill your mind and heart with great stories about this nation. McCullough has done a masterful job of combining stories with important historical facts and details. Listening to this audiobook has been a delight and is highly recommended.

W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his latest Billy Graham: A Biography of America's Greatest Evangelist

I wish all politicians would read this book.

The book includes a collection of speeches given by the author, David McCullough. The book is a wealth of history of the United States and its Presidents and personal insight. Most speeches were given to Universities providing history of the founder and its general area. I found the book a delight to read. It is inspirational with ideas of additional books to read or ideas to study. It shares the US friendship and history with France, the challenges of some of our past presidents, and symbols in the Washington capital. The book begins and ends with Simon Willard’s clock. The book is full of tidbits of information. The author has done significant research of prior books and it is evident this research is shared in his speeches. I highly encourage all politicians, especially those in Washington DC, read this book. At a minimum, read Page 164: “High achievement is nearly always a joint effort…”. During today’s hostile political climate, this book provides a great summary of some political history. A most enjoyable book to pick up and read regardless of your political affiliation.

I loved this book. Mr. McCullough writes like he says history should be taught. He tells stories. He has reawakened my love of history and has made me anxious to get to the store to buy The Wright Brothers and his biography of President Harry Truman among others.

He captured me with the first story about Simon Willard's clock. Simon Willard is a distant relative of my husband. Also included was a speech he gave at a college I attended.

The speeches were stories about history and he made it all come alive. He had lots of good advice for graduates and all of us.

My sincere thanks to Mr McCullough for bring the reason I once loved history back to me.

Readers looking for some hopeful and optimistic messages from a wise historian should consider reading David McCullough’s book titled, The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For. This volume gathers speeches that McCullough has given over the past quarter-century, many of them commencement addresses at colleges and universities. I found his spirit contagious and each of the speeches provides heavy doses of inspiration. Whether you’ve attended a commencement this year or not, as participant or observer, and no matter how much concern you have about the current divisions in American life, there’s a positive message that will match or exceed whatever has inspired you lately.

Rating: Four-star (I like it)

I find Mr McCullough's optimism inspiring. I am always impressed by this honored historian knowledge of our American History!
There is so much history of American Men and Women of great character and bravery. Of truly and admirable character and guts that you just don't see much anymore.
He speaks of the goodness of the American People. The importance of a good education and knowledge of our American History.
As he says..." It is a story like no other, our greatest natural resource. It is about people and how they speak to us
across the years"

I have really enjoyed this book. Although brief it is a common sense approach to American thinking. As a historian myself I respect Mr McCullough's views in that he illustrates historical figures in their own time. Our figures; Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, RE Lee, T. Roosevelt, and FDR can't be viewed in today's contexts. JFK as well can't be viewed as such. With today's 24 hour news, I see McCullough taking a common sense approach to our nation's history and our exposure to present day. We are a nation of differences today as we have always been, but as he illustrates, despite our differences, we are still the same as Americans and have more in common than we realize. I recommend this text to all students as well as to all Americans.

In this short collection of talks given over the years, David McCullough eloquently shares his love of our country and it's history, as well as his admiration for several historical figures. He convincingly gives us reasons why we all should study history, continue to educate and expand our minds in a variety of areas, and expose ourselves to great thoughts, literature, poetry, music, art, and architecture. I loved it.

Love this author! This book is a compilation of speeches by David McCullough. Very timely to read these during these tumultuous times. McCullough gives a history lesson and helps the reader understand the struggles and sacrifices of the founders of our country. We need to remember these brave individuals who made our country free and great!

As always David McCullough masterfully and anecdotally gives meaning and hope to the present and to the future. His remembrances are inspiring as well as entertaining. A complete and detailed historian that has made a difference. I'll read it again and become mesmerized yet again. Well done Mr M!

David McCullough is my favorite historian by a mile.I would have loved to have heard any of these speeches but that doesn't mean they become great for a book. They are disjointed and random in their nature and judging by their brevity they seem to be more highlights than the actual speeches. By and large they are very good but I can just tell there is more being said. If you time these talks out we're looking at 5 minutes at most. I would have preferred a more wide ranging book that either went into greater detail of the talks or, if this what was truly said, then provide more examples. I think this is an abbreviated rehash of what has already been said and offers nothing new.

This time you can pass on David McCullough

McCullough is a great historian and writer, knowing the facts and realities of history, and focusing on what makes America great, lifting the reader's spirit. A similar book is AMERICA SPEAKS
https://www.the store.com/America-Speaks-Norman-Enger/dp/0990516814/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509761639&sr=8-1&keywords=america+speaks+norman+enger

I always enjoy McCullough and his love of history. This book especially speaks to our need for our leaders, and all of us to read and learn all we can about our nation's history and the person's who were pivitol participants. If only the current President were a reader!

An absolute triumph. Mr. McCullough writes yet another amazingly eloquent portrayal of what makes our country great, even when challenged by negative forces. Unparalleled wisdom, passion, and delivery make this yet another extraordinary example of Mr. McCullough's work. Everyone needs to read this book.

Such s wonderful book. Filled with stories from the great man who has wrote so many great books. Mr. McCullough's words are valuable for all history lovers. He is a voice of reason in troublesome times.

There is much in this book to make Americans proud, but I found myself increasingly troubled as I read its dangerously narrow interpretation of the American spirit and those who exemplify it. In short, this book is as notable for what it leaves out as for what it celebrates.

McCullough uses the founding fathers and their contemporaries to remind us of fundamental principles and characteristics that make us American. It remains, however, for us to consider the implications of this limited casting of national heroes and the mythology it perpetuates.

What are we to conclude when 15 speeches about the essence of the American spirit contain not a single anecdote from a community of color? What is implied about the value of those people and stories?

Why are we asked to excuse the inhumanities perpetuated by great Americans (and they're all great white men in McCullough's recounting), as simply evidence of their humanity? Why lionize the recognition of injustice by great men, rather than dwell on the injustice itself?

In an environment where the essence of the American Spirit is under active debate, when phrases like "Who We Are" and "What We Stand For" are used to bludgeon as often as to unite, the author owed us as readers more with this book.

In his collected speeches, McCullough appears in the halls of power, from a position of great influence, with a message calling us to educate ourselves, to read and to examine our nation's history. With this power, came a great opportunity and responsibility, which remain unfulfilled here.

I've enjoyed many of David McCullough's books, he's a master of narrative history. However, I've come to see this retrospective collection of his work as the peak of an American canon that reveals more through the stories it doesn't tell than through the ones it does.

As what one would expect, it was a great read. Enjoyed the speech. A little bit of overlap, but didn't distract from the substance. I have yet to find anything written by Mr. McCullough not rewarding.

This book is an anthology of old speeches by a great writer. Many contain interesting historical anecdotes , but too often they are simply old talks from a forgotten university graduation or building dedication.

Surprisingly disappointing. I love McCullough. I absolutely loved The Wright Brothers. But this collection of speeches is just dull. Many are commencement speeches and I have found these often fall into the "you had to be there" category. Others are about subjects that interest McCullough but I doubt will interest others (e.g. Benjamin Rush and Americans in France in the 19th century). My favorite McCullough books are 1) The Wright Brothers, 2) Path Between the Seas, 3) The Great Bridge, 4) Truman, 5) John Adams, 6) The Johnstown Flood. Read any of these before The American Spirit

This is the first time I've ever bought and read a book the day it went on sale. Only recently did I first read one of David's books (John Adams) and I'm definitely a huge fan now.

I'm not sure quite how to write a review of a book I bought only a few hours ago. So let me try! If you've never read anything by David McCullough, start with this appetizer. Otherwise, this is dessert. Enjoy!