History Matters by David McCullough

A posthumous collection of powerful essays from Pulitzer Prize–winning historian David McCullough.

History Matters gathers a selection of McCullough’s most insightful writings—many never before published—celebrating the enduring value of history and the lessons it holds for today. Edited by his daughter Dorie McCullough Lawson and longtime researcher Michael Hill, with a foreword by Jon Meacham, this collection reflects the depth of McCullough’s passion and intellect.

Through essays spanning his remarkable career, McCullough explores the importance of character in leadership, citing figures like Harry Truman and George Washington as exemplars of optimism, courage, and determination. He reflects on his early influences, his love for books and mentors, and pays tribute to the artists and thinkers—such as Paul Horgan and Thomas Eakins—who shaped his creative vision.

Filled with McCullough’s signature storytelling grace and historical wisdom, History Matters is a moving testament to his belief that understanding the past is essential to shaping the future. This collection honors his legacy as one of America’s most beloved historians and a lifelong champion of the nation’s ideals.