Brave Companions

The Voice of American History

Where does Brave Companions rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Any book written by Mr. McCullough would rank high on my list of books, but another unabridged edition read in its entirety by him ranks in top of my list. The book is a collection of shorter essays and stories about many of the figures that feature in some of his larger works but beyond that it is the story of many prominent figures in our American Story that many of us as the author states probably know little to nothing about.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Brave Companions?

McCullough's ability to bring to life the vivid story of each of his Companion's lives in stunning detail. You feel that you are sitting right next to many of them (in fact in some of the contemporary figures you are!) as he shares their lives and accomplishments. The telling of the adventures of Alexander von Humboldt and the biography of Frederic Remington would have to be two of my favorite chapters.

What does David McCullough bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice! Dating back over 25 years when I first heard his narration of the the Ken Burns Civil War series I have absolutely been captivated by his voice. To me he could read a Calculus textbook and I would be enthralled. He is in my mind the voice of American History. He is able to transform his words into a warm, heartfelt and captivating story all the while keeping you invested. In invite you to close your eyes and see the subject through his eyes, his words and his voice. You can hear the absolute admiration for his subjects, the fascination of not just their accomplishment but their extraordinary or even sometimes ordinary lives. I hope that he will continue to narrate more of his past work.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The Chapter called "Recommended Itinerary" which is a copy of an commencement speech given to a college in the middle 1980's. In it he encourage these young minds to explore not only their world but more importantly to appreciate the United States that they live in to appreciate the extraordinary historical times we are living in. Though over 30 years old I think the message he is trying to convey still holds significance.

Any additional comments?

This book was originally published in 1991 and it clearly a telling of origin of many of his early and later works on Roosevelt, Truman, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal. Mr McCullough takes you with him as in insider into his research of this individuals that became the subject for his later award winning books but as previously states he brings to light many subject who might have been simply footnotes in your High School History Texts but should be considered chapters to themselves for their amazing contribution to our American Story. I cannot recommend this book enough not only for his wonderful voice but also for his story telling ability.

22 of 23 people found this review helpful

inspiring .... what a great mind!

so many varieties of such interesting subjects is inspiring and makes one want to read, travel , and most of all....be an observer.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Prophet for Historians

I have been waiting for "Brave Companions" to come out on audiobook for a long time. The book was published in 1991 and written by David McCullough. I was so glad that they got the author to read his own book. There is no one better than David McCullough, telling us history.

Let's not forget his voice. He is the prophet for historians

As for the book, the stories are almost like a side notes to his other books, like Roosevelt and the Brooklyn Bridge. In the last part in the book, his story is more like a memoir on his career, life and how he wrote his first book, "The Johnstown Flood."

Before his voice gets lost in the shuffle, I hope that they produce the audio version of "In the Dark Streets Shineth" before he depart his life.

10 of 12 people found this review helpful

Never Failing

David McCullough is such an excellent historian! He demands attention, respect, and shares deep understanding and knowledge so that I come away determined to begin training my brain more like he has trained his. History has become a gift to me, thanks to this author. Before McCullough and others similar, I tried but failed to absorb history. Now it is a pleasure and a joy.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

A Different McCullough

If you could sum up Brave Companions in three words, what would they be?

McCullough's short pieces

Any additional comments?

This is a series of vignettes, short pieces of varied types. Simply listening to McCullough read is enough for me. I loved the beginning piece on Humboldt, who is a towering scientific figure that I knew little about.

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

A most profound novel! I don't think I have ever enjoyed any book in my almost 80 years of life!

I don't think I have ever enjoyed any book in my almost 80 years of life as David McCullough's "Brave Companions". I would compare it to reading the Bible in scope and magnitude. Perhaps it is the Bible of the study of human history. The first 14 chapters tell the stories of 14 people who made enormous contributions to human history. This would be the Old Testament. The 15th chapter draws a historical picture of the Capital of America, Washington D.C., and describes in fascinating detail the historical significance of many buildings in the city. The 16 chapter looks at some of history of the U.S. Congress and laments about the lack of any significant history of many of the people who contributed so much to our country's history. I view these chapters as the New Testament. Like the Bible, it ends too soon.

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

perfect companion on a roadtrip

No one does historical works better than David Mccullough, but his telling of personal acquaintances is best of all.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

None better.

David McCullough is a national treasure. This and his other books are wonderfully written and lovingly read.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

excellent collection of amazing stories

excellent stories, if you like history and books by David McCullough you'll love this book.

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

Am a fan. Interesting listen.

Enjoyed so many stories in each biography or history. I listen on road trips. These got me down the road a long way.

4 of 6 people found this review helpful