A Large Regular

David McCullough has passed away aged 89. Always enjoyed the story of how David McCullough started as a historian. Basically, McCullough was interested in finding out some information on the Johnstown flood and was surprised to find that there wasn't any books on the subject. So McCullough took it upon himself to write a book on the flood and was a historian ever since.

Writing was always an interest of McCullough as his first job out of college was working as an editorial assistant at Sports Illustrated. In his honor - here are what I consider his top 5 books.

1. Truman
2. John Adams
3. 1776
4. Mornings on Horseback
5. The Johnstown Flood

I know that his The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal was a National Book Award winner but I could just never get through it even though I tried three separate times. That's why it didn't make the top 5.

He was an American original and for many the voice of American history.

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Donald Duck playing billards. I remember seeing this as a kid in school and always wanted to see it again (Donald playing billards is around the 16 minute mark)

- 10 things you might not have known about the Nixon White House

- The new David McCullough book on the Wright brothers looks really interesting

- Am I an awful person for laughing at this?

Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about what it was like in the Colonies back in 1776. Couldn't help but note  that the word "slavery"doesn't appear in the article - so take it with a grain of salt.

As an aside - currently reading David McCullough's chronicle of that most important year 1776. The book is well worth your time if you have a chance to read it.

Top 5 - David McCullough Books

Today is David McCullough's 74th birthday. I wasn't aware that his first job out of college was working as an editorial assistant at Sports Illustrated. In his honor - here are what I consider his top 5 books.

1. Truman
2. John Adams
3. 1776
4. Mornings on Horseback
5. The Johnstown Flood

I know that his The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal was a National Book Award winner but I could just never get through it even though I tried three seperate times. That's why it didn't make the top 5.