Customer Reviews:
 McCullough's Brave Companions May 17, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
A small book that delivers more than promised by the reviewers. Even the introduction is enjoyable. Each chapter introduces a person that deserves to be remembered; most of whom, would indeed, be a wonderful companion. Good history, good read-aloud book for families.
 Enjoyable collection of biographies and history May 7, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
David McCullough has an amazing gift that makes me enjoy reading about people I really don't have any interest in.
Vignettes from America's Premier Historian April 27, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
After reading McCollough's Truman, I made it a point to search out and read all of his prior works. Having done so, I was pleased to find this book which is basically a collection of magazine articles and other short efforts collected in book form.
The first four or five stories were magnificent. Articles on Alexander von Humbolt, Louis Agassiz, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederic Remington and Washington Roebling were magnificent. Also outstanding are stories concerning Medora, North Dakota and the Panamanian railroad.
Keeping this work from five star status are several less than stellar essays, primarily one dealing with strip mining in Appalachian Kentucky, a work so slanted against the mining industry (and extractive manufacturing in general) as to be almost unreadable by anyone in manufacturing. I can imagine readers becoming inflamed by McCollough's prose only to be offered the alternative of increasing their power bill by 10% in return for discontinuing the practices he abhors.
Also lacking were essays on photographer David Plowden and Miriam Rothschild. However, 80% of the works were typical McCollough excellence in teaspoon doses, a solid overall four star effort.
Several of the essays touch on subjects that were previously (or subsequently) covered more fully in book length efforts (Brooklyn Bridge and Panama Canal in particular), but having read them did not feel that he was repeating himself. If you're a McCollough fan, a definite must read.
A great read February 28, 2007
Once again, David McCullough does not disappoint. He has a passion to tell the stories of unsung heroes who perservered to make this country great. This book is a reminder where we, as a country, came from.
Brave Companions January 9, 2007
I'm partial to all of McCullough's books. He is one of America's greatest social historians. I absolutely enjoyed this particular book. I would recommend it very highly!
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