Brave Companions: Portraits in History by David McCullough (Simon & Schuster, 1992)
I need to remember to read more from David McCullough. The man can write.
Brave Companions deserves a long, thoughtful review. I could write a blog post on any and all of these fourteen portraits (thirteen of people, one of a city) and three additional essays. McCullough draws stunning pictures of people—famous and unknown, artists and aviators, writers and scientists—whose actions and personalities made (and are making) history.
But I barely had time to read the book, let alone write about it, and I must now return it to its rightful owner. If you, however, find yourself with sufficient time to enjoy a short book (232 pages) that's easy to read in short bursts (except that you won't want to put it down), you can't go wrong with Brave Companions.
I'd read it for the writing alone; the history, personality, and adventures are a bonus.
Good to know. Several years ago I read The Johnstown Flood, but hadn't realized he wrote it until I just looked it up. I have 1776 and Truman sitting on my shelf, but Brave Companions seems like another one to look for. He has a new book out called The Greater Journey (2011) that might be worth a read as well.
S
I can second Linda's appraisal. McCullough writes in a way that makes history come alive and gain relevance, that makes the reader wish he'd been there.
I'm not sure I would wish to have been there given the horrific medical treatment and the clothes I would have to wear!
S
Good point. "There" in the fly-on-the-wall sense, then. :-)
Found this one at the book sale today.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
