Review of History Matters by David McCullough

 David McCullough. History Matters. Edited by Dorie McCullough Lawson and Michael Hill. Simon and Schuster, 2025. 

The two people responsible for this posthumous publication of McCullough's unpublished and previously published brief writings are to be commended for this labor of love. Michael Hill is a long time research assistant. Dorrie McCullough Lawson is McCullough's daughter who has worked with him since 1992 helping to manage his public life.  

Each writing is introduced by the editors. The author is referenced as DMcC throughout. Ms. Lawson explains how this came to be in her introduction. The foreword by Jon Meacham is a delight to read.

 Somehow I missed out on reading any of McCullough's books. I think these shorter pieces are a splendid introduction to the man, his methodology, and his priorities. His love for learning and respect for his subjects comes forth from every page. Two pieces I particular enjoyed. The Paris Review interview entitled "The Art of Biography." and the chapter in Part Four: "The Good, Hard Work of Writing Well." McCollough's advice on writing is superb. The five pages distills the essence of the work of writing well and all the goes into it. His advice reminds me of William Zinsser's excellent book "On Writing Well." 

I look forward to reading his books.