The Course of Human Events [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

David McCullough (Author, Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 24, 2005

FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING

AUTHOR OF JOHN ADAMS

On May 15th, 2003 David McCullough presented The Course of Human Events as The 2003 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities in Washington, DC. The Jefferson Lecture is a tribute to McCullough's lifetime investigation of history.

In this short speech, this master historian tracks his fascination with all things historical to his early days in Pittsburgh where he "learned to love history by way of books" in bookshops and at the local library.

McCullough eloquently leads us through the founding fathers' attraction to history, letting us in on his composition of 1776 as well as the Pulitzer Prize winning John Adams. His obvious affection for history is inspiring, because it encompasses the whole reach of the human drama. In McCullough's able hands, history truly "is a larger way of looking at life."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David McCullough has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback.  His other widely praised books are 1776, Brave Companions, The Great Bridge, and The Johnstown Flood.  He has been honored with the National Book Foundation Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award, the National Humanities Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

From AudioFile

In a 2003 speech given in Washington, D.C., author David McCullough reminds listeners that history is made up of human beings, not gods. He cites the flaws of the Founding Fathers as he ticks off their accomplishments. One of his favorite points to stress is their love of books and literature; [Nathan Hale's] famous speech before being hanged, for example, comes from CATO, a play popular at the time. McCullough reads as a master lecturer as he discusses the Founders, then turns personal as he discusses his own love of books, which started with a copy of AMOS AND ME, a children's book about Benjamin Franklin. Book-lovers, especially those with an interest in history, will enjoy hearing how books teach us about the past--and present. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; Unabridged edition (May 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743550382
• ISBN-13: 978-0743550383
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Books on CD > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely speech - a joy for any history lover, September 22, 2006

By 

DWD "DWD's Reviews" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Course of Human Events (Audio CD)

I am a high school history teacher - not the type of history teacher who got into it so he could also coach. I am a REAL history teacher. I love history, I read histories for entertainment. I go on trips to see historical places. History is exciting and important to me.

McCullough's wonderful 40 minute speech on the Founding Fathers, history and great literature made my soul sing. I learned a lot but mostly I found the joy of listening to a kindred spirit discuss history and its importance and the joys of learning.

I also found myself being a bit envious of McCullough's wonderful speaking voice and the fact that he writes so well. However, I quickly recovered since McCullough is not stingy with either of these talents.

Do not let the relatively short length of this CD deter you from purchasing it - you will want to listen to it again and again over the years.

34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, August 13, 2006

By 

Clementine Dare "Clementine" (Gilbert, Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Course of Human Events (Audio CD)

I love David McCullough and I own all of his books. I have had the opportunity to hear him speak twice and both times he was brilliant, original, gracious and interesting. I am pleased that other speeches of his are available for purchase.
This CD is broken into chapters so you can skip to your favorite sections. Section 3 with the quote by Edith Hamilton and section 9 where Mr. McCullough discusses how he fell in love with reading are my favorites. I plan to give this CD as a gift. I enjoyed it tremendously.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating. Picturesque. Vibrant., August 22, 2007

By 

Jeffrey E Ellis (Naperville, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Course of Human Events (Audio CD)

To say that David McCullough has a way with words is like describing Mozart as having a way with music. McCullough has an ear for language and the spoken word the same way a wonderful photographer has an eye for a picture- it is just perfect.

McCullough gives us a precious gift with THE COURSE OF HUMAN EVENTS as he describes his career and its subjects. He reminds us that we can only live in the present even while we study "other people's present". This CD is worth listening to and listening to again as we catch the rythmn of his words and a picture of our nation speeding by into the past.