Linda’s Monday Morning Moaning’s will be a bit off subject this morning, but wanted to make this author part of history blogs, probably because this man influenced me and my love of history, and is my favorite historical author.
David McCullough, a great American Historian, just had a birthday this past week, and turned 88 years old. Readers and fans of his have called him a ‘National Treasure’, and with that I certainly agree. Many, many years ago he wrote a book on one of my favorite and often misunderstood Presidents, John Adams, and much was also written about his brilliant wife Abigail Adams. Her quotes, when writing her husband, who was often for great lengths of time, away from his wife and family while helping bring forth a new country, have been listed in many of his books. Each of the books I have written has a quote of Abigail Adams along with the dedication.
‘In the cold colorless light of a New England winter, two men on horseback traveled the coast road below Boston heading north. A foot or more of snow covered the landscape, the remnants of a Christmas storm that had blanketed Massachusetts from one end of the province to the other. Beneath the snow, after weeks of severe cold, the grounds frozen solid to a depth of two feet. Packed ice in the road, ruts as hard as iron, made the going hazardous, and the rider, mindful of the horse, kept to a walk’. Chapter 1 of John Adams, by David McCullough.
Beyond writing, he is a first rate narrator and speaker and over the years I have listened to his wonderful voice narrate PBS American Experience, and many other historical shows, and can still be found on C-Span where there is so much to learn by his programs and presentations.
Many years ago in the early 2000’s, I heard he was coming too Meadowbrook, in Rochester Hills, to do a book presentation. I HAD TO ATTEND! At that time I owned four of his books, all big and heavy and wanted to get them signed. My husband David, was kind enough to carry this awkward pile of books in order for me to see if signing was an option. And being that photography was another hobby of mine, my camera and equipment had to also accompany us! What a thrill, for me it was like seeing the ‘rock stars’ we all want to see in person, but for me it was David McCullough, author.
Although it had been stated that Mr. McCullough would not be able to sign books that night, someone did thrust a book at him to sign anyway, and this polite man signed their copy. (It was not me, though). As the years went on I made sure I obtained a copy of all his books, and found his writing to be magnificent, and I would eagerly await for each new book. Sadly, he retired from writing, just before the pandemic , as he wanted to spend more time with his family and friends. So sadly, we won’t be seeing any new writing from this very talented man, nor have the luxury of probably hearing the velvety voice in public again talking about the history he so loves.
Mr. McCullough always typed out his books on a late 1940’s Royal typewriter, no computers for him. Many years ago a company made a replica of his typewriter to use as a bookend, and of course I had to add one of them to my many books he had written. He wrote his books in a tiny cabin in his ‘backyard’ because of the peace and quiet around him. He would speak before Congress and won many awards, along with 2 Pulitzer Prizes for literature. He will always be a hard act to follow, and he set a high bar and encouraged many writers and documentarians to push forward on their work. Some months ago, while reading his Facebook page and people were talking of his books and showing their collections, I also listed the image above as I am very proud of my shelf of McCullough books, and I was contacted by the administrator of his site to ask if they could use my image as their mast head! Needless to say, what a thrill for me.
His writing will be missed. I will always treasure his writing and the books I have been fortunate to own. The stories he wrote were always written to understand and be very interesting. One of his last books was on the Wright brothers, and my first thoughts were, ok? But as usually I was over taken, what a great story and his take on their lives and what these brothers brought to us. I guess there is a small bit of hero worship in my blog this week. Happy Birthday Mr McCullough, and many happy returns of the day.
On that’ wee note’ till next week.
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Linda Osborne Cynowa 
Linda, I loved reading about this historian. I mostly read fiction and if it’s non-fiction it’s some sort of psychology or anything I’m researching for the next book. I’m still here for 3 weeks so let’s get a date on the books. I’m free every Wednesday and Friday because Al golfs. I might not have a car. We sold his work car and he wants to buy a Jeep after we move. xo
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