Charlie Rose Science Series
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03/21/2008
David McCullough
A conversation with author David McCullough
Keywords:
A conversation with the Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough about his forty years in publishing.
DVD
Charlie Rose DVDs on Amazon.
Charlie Rose DVDs on Amazon.
Audio
Audio available through Audible.com.
Audio available through Audible.com.
Transcripts
Transcripts available through Voxant.
Transcripts available through Voxant.
As a history nut, I appreciate Mr. McCullough's comments on the importance of arts in education. I will be quoting him at a planning commission meeting Tuesday, where we will seek endorsement of a new "green" building to house our public, K-8 charter school of the arts in Redding, California. Thank you for a wonderful interview.
Thank you for sharing the Fourth of July with the most powerful, epic writers of our time, David McCullough. I have every biography written by McCullough. He is truely a master and his biographies can sweep you off your feet with the truth. McCullough tells the story within-from the point of view of the century. One of my favorite biography was his Pultizer Prize winning biography Truman. Of course this was partially due to the fact I am from Missouri.
I have been a great admirer of your show for a very long time. You were the only one on TV who interviewed interesting guests and asked the right questions. Your only weakness is interrupting your guests when they are speaking. d.
After watching your wonderful interview with David McCullough, I bought his John Adams book. After hearing your discussion I plan to read everything he has written: if I live long enough! I sent an email to the Poets.org and am enclosing a copy below. I have just been reading the book entitled: John Adams by author David McCullough. I came across a passage on page 18: "But in his need to fathom the 'labyrinth' of human nature, as he said, he was drawn to Shakespeare and Swift, and likely to carry Cervantes or a volume of English poetry with him on his journeys. "You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket," he would tell his son Johnny.' A few minutes after reading this, I closed the book and decided to check my email etc. Poets.org from the Academy of Poets had just sent the email declaring April as National Poetry Month and also told about the day for celebrating; "Poetry in your pocket" Day. It seemed to be more than a coincidence! I believe it might be the earliest use of such a phrase, in the early 1700's!! So perhaps we should give John Adams, President of the United States, credit for the true origin. What do you think? Or perhaps David McCullough who found this information through diligent research! Sincerely, Chloe Ledbetter Brown (poet, artist and grandmother) chl4830@aol.com 210-645-1640 4917 Ravenswood Dr. Apt. 602 San Antonio, Texas 78227
I was sorry to see the hour with David McCullough end! He is refreshingly cultivated and interesting and held my full attention. I was interested to note his comparison of persons who paint to those interested in history which ties into a project I am working on with the works of Anita Brookner, a Booker prize-winning author who is also an art historian. It would be a coup to get her on your program! With appreciation and thanks.
I have to say that this was a an amazing interview. I think that this felt like a book, with an amazingly compelling ending that inspired me and made me want to sign up as a history maker not just a history reader. thank you gentlemen.
I LOVE David McCullough! I watched it twice, and am mad that I didn't tape it and watch it again. Please take all 10 interviews with Mr. McCullough and put them on one DVD?!?!?!?!? Someday someone will right a book titled: A National Treasure: The Life of David McCullough Put me down for a copy of this book!
Mr. McCullough is almost right when he said "An entirely virtuous person is not very interesting"; there are a very few virtuous Real Life characters like Sri Rama and Sri Krishna from the famous epics of India (respectively The Ramayana and The MahaBaratha) who are not just interesting -- they ARE awe-inspiring! Not many, even in India, know their full worth! All the same, I can feel that Mr. McCullough is a special person of the Universe! Thank you Charlie, for your conversation with him. I wish more and more people tune in and learn from such conversations!
I am an American History fanatic -- I love reading Historical Fiction as well as biographies and books of with a Historian value such as David M's. I appreciate that you had him on because of his work with the John Adams Project, however, he has other subjects that can be spoken of besides. Please have him come back
Your interview program with David McCullough received my FULL attention for one hour. This is rare for me. I have everyone of McCulloughs books and believe that he is the best narrative historian regrading American History. His thoughts on the importance of the arts of history in american education were important. He is a rare breed. I have had the distinct pleasure to hear McCullough speak at two Chicago venues. Once in 1994 and another appearance at the chicago public library within the past three years.
One of the best interviews we've seen. Two of the greatest: is there a better interviewer than Mr. Rose, a better narrative historian than Mr. McCullough? Fantastic show.
I was thrilled to hear from my son that you had David McCullough on Friday. I was able to watch the interview online and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were times I had wished Charlie would have resisted the urge to steer the interview though. I have followed Mr. McCullough and his work for years, but had not heard him speak about his craft in such detail before. It would have been interesting to hear more about that.
beautiful, interesting, important, thank you...
Even his discussion on the process of writing each book and of his childhood memories was so descriptive. You could actually see him climbing those stairs of that old church and the dust from the steel mills covering the skies a blood red. This is the type of guest where it's best to make him do all the talking and the rest of us just listen. And Charlie, you did just that. Great show.
Your interview last night with author David McCullough was absolutely wonderful.So timely with the series on Adams now on HBO,it really made it so much more vital to watch. I can't wait to finish the Adams book and get on with devouring this precious man's other works of art.Imagine giving your life over to such important works. If only we could interest more young people in history and these wonderful books.Perhaps a series just for our children by this talented and caring man. Thank you Mr. Rose,you are the best. As a person who grew up in radio and tv(my father was a personality and my mother was in the Metropolitan opera)I have seen and heard it all.Your show never disappoints and always informs in such a way that one comes away with knowledge and a smile!
P.S. to my previous e-mail. If Mr. McCullough can come back, please have another hour with him.
Thank you Charlie Rose, a breath of fresh air from all the conversations on election, ecomony and Iraq. Glad to hear that all of Mr. McCullough books are still in print. I have read the last 3 and greatly enjoyed all 3. Of course I had to stand on my head to stay awake, wish PBS would televise earlier. I could have waited until re-broadcast on Monday, during daytime hours, but I needed to see this interview. Take care.
I watched your intervire with McCullough last night on PBS. That was the greatest interview of McCullough I have seen - and I have seen several. I appreciate your probing questions, and obvious knowledge of the sybject. It makes for a quality interview. I especially liked the insight into McCullough's personal life. How he writes a book, and his "philosophy" of personal life, (and how it influences public policy and himself), is fascinating. I would love the dvd of this program. Thank-you. Jeff Baity Winston-Salem, N.C.
Dear Charlie Rose, Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with all of us. His writing brings history to life in such a wonderful way. I loved reading John Adams, he and Abigail did much to give America life. What a great show to begin spring. Sincerely, Joy Marie
David McCullough interview--spent the entire hour watching in rapt attention. Take care of yourself and thank you.
What a quality guy. His empathy, sympathy strategy doubtless makes him better than most. Wonder if that would apply to traitors to decency (suppy your own candidate here: ____ 4 spaces provided) as well as statesmen and men of honor? Pleasure to watch GOOD people and their thoughts opened to us lesser mortals. Envy all around.
Highest marks for your choice of guest and interview with David McCullough. Makes me wonder if David would select our times, and our current leaders, to revisit if he were writing in the future. I doubt he would spend the time and "enjoy the company" as much as he did Adams and Truman.
Highest marks for your choice of guest and interview with David McCullough. Makes me wonder if David would select our times, and our current leaders, to revisit if he were writing in the future. I doubt he would spend the time and "enjoy the company" as much as he did Adams and Truman.
Glad you & airbook survived, next time protect YOURSELF first. You have backed up to storage lately, haven't you! Every night I wish to express how much joy, education, and insight you have provided me and oh so many others. As long as you enjoy it , we hope you never stop. You are a National Treasure in the richest meaning. Warmest wishes for your quick recovery, and long term health. Most sincerely, Russell C. Gay
Marylou. On Monday or Tuesday's show he said he slipped on the pavement.
March 20th, 2008 Dear Charlie Rose, Forgive my using this avenue to say that I just wanted to ask what has happened to you. It is painful to see your eye so damaged and I pray that you are not injured elsewhere. Please tell us viewers what has happened, not to invade your privacy, but to make us feel a part of your viewing family; that is how I think of you. Family and friends who know that I watch you are asking me about your injury; and I'm saddened to tell them that I have no idea. I've been reluctant to ask you, but now feel compelled to do so, with utmost respect for your privacy. Warmest regards and prayers for your quick healing, your viewing friend, Marylou Nunamaker