In the world of historical nonfiction, few authors command respect and admiration as David McCullough does. With his extensive portfolio of award-winning works, choosing where to start or what to read next can feel daunting. This article offers a comprehensive ranking of McCullough’s books – drawing data from Goodreads, Amazon, and LibraryThing.
This ranking extends beyond subjective liking, providing an aggregate score based on reviews and ratings from Goodreads, Amazon, and LibraryThing. Each book’s position on our list correlates to its score across the three platforms. The higher the composite score, the higher the position. However, it’s vital to remember that literary appreciation is subjective. Even with this composite scoring, no book can truly be deemed superior to another – they are simply different, offering varied glimpses into the kaleidoscope of history.
This comprehensive list serves as more than a simple ranking. For those familiar with McCullough’s works, it’s intriguing to see where their favorites rank. However, it’s particularly useful for McCullough newcomers. The ranking offers a guide, suggesting where to begin and which books are acclaimed by a broad reader base.
The Top Book’s Of David McCullough
‘In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story’
Review Website Ranks:
- Goodreads: 12;
- Amazon: 12;
- LibraryThing: 12.
In this captivating tale, McCullough illuminates the resilience of human spirit amidst the dark throes of war. With world leaders Roosevelt and Churchill at the helm, the narrative unwraps a timeless message of hope and courage, echoing powerfully even today.
‘The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris’
Review Website Ranks:
- Goodreads: 11;
- Amazon: 9;
- LibraryThing: 11.
Explore the untrodden path of aspiring American artists, writers, doctors, and politicians venturing to Paris between 1830 and 1900. McCullough paints a compelling picture of their thirst for knowledge and excellence, and how their achievements left an indelible imprint on American history.
‘Brave Companions’
Review Website Ranks:
- Goodreads: 10;
- Amazon: 9;
- LibraryThing: 10;
This unique collection features individuals who dared to defy the norm and successfully revolutionized history. McCullough brings to life renowned figures such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederic Remington, Louis Agassiz, and the Lindberghs, exploring their contributions to history.
‘Mornings on Horseback’
Review Website Ranks:
- Goodreads: 5;
- Amazon: 9;
- LibraryThing: 7.
‘Mornings on Horseback’ offers an intimate look into the early life of Theodore Roosevelt. Despite battling asthma, weak eyes, and expected societal norms, Roosevelt’s determination for a strenuous life sets the stage for his future role as a leader.
‘1776’
Review Site Rankings:
- Goodreads: 8;
- Amazon: 4;
- LibraryThing: 8.
‘1776’ brings to life the grassroots revolution brewing within the American populace. McCullough pulls back the curtain on the diverse range of individuals – farmers, teachers, cobblers, and even the oft-overlooked – who heed the call to arms and transform into soldiers. Juxtaposing the disciplined British forces with the ragtag American levies, the narrative remains appreciative of both sides’ valor. But it is George Washington who takes center stage, crafting his leadership skills on the battlefield.
‘The Johnstown Flood’
Review Site Rankings:
- Goodreads: 7;
- Amazon: 4;
- LibraryThing: 9.
‘The Johnstown Flood’ offers a chilling account of the calamity wrought by an avoidable disaster. As prosperity blossoms in the industrious town of Johnstown, an ominous threat lingers in the shoddily rebuilt dam above the town, a dam that caters to an exclusive resort for the very industrial tycoons benefiting from Johnstown’s labor. Despite dire warnings, these risks are ignored until disaster strikes on May 31, 1889. The tragic loss of over 2,000 lives catapulted into a national scandal.
‘The Path Between the Seas’
Review Site Rankings:
- Goodreads: 3;
- Amazon: 7;
- LibraryThing: 5.
‘The Path Between the Seas’ chronicles the epic struggle and eventually success to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Unraveling the complexities of this groundbreaking project, the book discusses scandal, revolution, economic upheaval, and the birth of a new Central American republic.
‘John Adams’
Review Site Rankings:
- Goodreads: 9;
- Amazon: 1;
- LibraryThing: 2.
In ‘John Adams’, McCullough crafts a multifaceted biography of the second President of the United States. The narrative captures Adams’ unwavering commitment to the American Revolution, his rise to presidency, and his strategic diplomacy that averted unnecessary warfare. It also provides intimate insights into his personal life, including his celebrated marriage to Abigail Adams.
‘The Great Bridge’
Review Site Rankings:
- Goodreads: 2;
- Amazon: 7;
- LibraryThing: 3;
‘The Great Bridge’ is a comprehensive exploration of the creation of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. McCullough delves into the engineering insights, political maneuverings, and societal implications that came into play during the bridge’s construction in the late 19th century.
‘The Wright Brothers’
Review Site Rankings:
- Goodreads: 4;
- Amazon: 4;
- LibraryThing: 4;
‘The Wright Brothers’ tells the inspirational story of two visionary brothers from Ohio. On a winter day in 1903, they launched the first powered machine that could carry a pilot, ushering the world into the age of flight. This book uncovers who these pioneers were and the journey they took to achieve the seemingly impossible.
‘The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For’
Review Site Rankings:
- Goodreads: 1;
- Amazon: 2;
- LibraryThing: 6.
In ‘The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For’, McCullough throws light on the essential values that bind Americans together. Stripping barriers of geography, political affiliation, or ethnicity, this book serves as a timeless guide to understanding the essence of the American spirit.
‘Truman’
Review Site Rankings:
- Goodreads: 5;
- Amazon: 2;
- LibraryThing: 1.
‘Truman’ captures the extraordinary life of Harry S. Truman. This book narrates the compelling story of a man who rose to confront unprecedented challenges at a time of turbulence. From his boyhood in Missouri to his whistle-stop campaign in 1948, Truman’s story is intertwined with landmark events and figures in American history.
Best Bill Bryson Books
In the realm of nonfiction literature, it would be remiss not to explore the captivating works of Bill Bryson, a luminary in his own right. While our primary focus remains on the literary tapestry of David McCullough, a brief excursion into Bryson’s literary universe is a journey worth undertaking. Bill Bryson’s books, characterized by wit, humor, and an insatiable curiosity for the world, offer readers an enchanting sojourn through various subjects, from travel to science to language.
Bryson’s oeuvre includes gems such as ‘A Walk in the Woods,’ a delightful exploration of the Appalachian Trail; ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything,’ an enthralling odyssey through the annals of science; and ‘The Mother Tongue,’ a linguistic adventure into the intricacies of the English language. Each of Bryson’s books presents a unique and thought-provoking experience, making them an indispensable addition to any avid reader’s collection.
Conclusion
David McCullough’s scholarly yet accessible works enlighten readers about history’s depth and breadth. His books, whether charting well-trodden or lesser-known historical terrain, breathe life into past events, generating a vivid understanding of how those events shape today’s world. This comprehensive list of McCullough’s work serves as a starting point to venture into the captivating world of his historical narratives. Happy reading!
