David McCullough's "American Spirit" wins 3rd Christopher Award

Acclaimed historian and Hingham resident David McCullough received a third Christopher Award for "The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For,” (Simon and Schuster). It is one of 12 books for adults and young people by 19 authors and illustrators to be celebrated on May 17,2018 at the 69^th annual Christopher Awards in New York along with the writers, producers and directors of 9 feature films and TV/Cable programs.

Previously, McCullough was also awarded the Christopher Lifetime Achievement Award and honored for "John Adams." That book, now in its 48^th printing, remains one of the most praised and widely read American biographies of all time. He is also winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In addition to countless other prizes and honors, he has also received 55 honorary degrees.

In "The American Spirit," his collection of speeches, McCullough explores the ideals, values, and individuals that brought out the best in our country’s citizens – and that should still inspire and guide us today. He has spoken before Congress, the White House, at colleges and universities, historical societies, and other esteemed institutions. At a time of self-reflection following a bitter election campaign that has left the country divided, McCullough’s speeches remind us of core American values to which we all subscribe, regardless of which region we live in, which political party we identify with, or our ethnic background.

"The Wright Brothers," was #1 on The New York Times best seller list and remained on the list for more than a year. "The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris," also a #1 bestseller, has been called “dazzling,” and “history to be savored.” The book "1776" was acclaimed “a classic.” His books have been published in 19 languages and none have ever been out of print.

McCullough has been an editor, teacher, lecturer, and familiar presence on public television, as host of Smithsonian World, The American Experience, and narrator of numerous documentaries including Ken Burns’s The Civil War. "John Adams," the seven-part HBO mini-series HBO produced by Tom Hanks, was one of the most acclaimed television events of recent years.

The Christopher Awards were created in 1949 to celebrate authors, illustrators, writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” The Christophers, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”— guides its publishing, radio, and awards programs. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.

Mr. McCullough's Photo by William B. McCullough