The book was a success and he became a full-time author. It was a story and region familiar to McCullough, who was born and raised in nearby Pittsburgh. McCullough researched and wrote his first book in the precious hours away from his job with American Heritage The Johnstown Flood came out in 1968. He learned his craft working at Sports Illustrated, at the United States Information Agency, and at American Heritage. While at college he also met his wife, Rosalee. Meeting Thornton Wilder at Yale as an undergraduate inspired McCullough to become a writer-his first love, in fact, had been art. In receiving an honorary degree from Yale University the citation praised him: “As an historian, he paints with words, giving us pictures of the American people that live, breath, and above all, confront the fundamental issues of courage, achievement, and moral character.” His diligence pays off in detailed and engaging narratives.
His biography of Harry Truman won him a Pulitzer, as did his most recent biography of another president, John Adams.ĭavid McCullough throws himself into the research of his subjects, tracing the roads they traveled, reading the books they read, and seeing the homes they lived in. His books have led a renaissance of interest in American history-from learning about a flood in Pennsylvania that without warning devastated an entire community to discovering the private achievements and frailties of an uncelebrated president. He is called the "citizen chronicler" by Librarian of Congress James Billington.
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