On Monday, November 19th, the Friends of the Arthur and Janet C. Ross Library, members of the Academy, and the wider Roman community were treated to the Patricia H. Labalme Friends of the Library Lecture by David McCullough at Villa Aurelia.
A gifted and seasoned speaker, the two-time winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award shared with his audience essential insights gained over his long and successful career.
McCullough related the central influence of his literary education at Yale and of early mentors, such as Conrad Richter and Paul Horgan, and acknowledged the importance of voracious reading upon his style and development as a writer. Referring to Goethe’s Italian Journey and his admiration for the craftsmanship of Anthony Trollope, Ruth Rendell, and Elmore Leonard, McCullough recalled his original intent to pursue a career in art, poetry or fiction, but—through a combination of luck, the support of mentors, and his interest in exploring and learning about historical events—instead engaged on a career of “writing the books I had wished someone else had written so that I could read them.”
Approaching every book as a new adventure, McCullough confirmed that he wants his works to be read and that making history come alive and turning it into an enjoyable experience does not need to detract from its seriousness. Describing his complete immersion into the lives of his subjects, McCullough juxtaposed his detailed research of the facts, events, and cultural environment of their time with the recognition that one can have all of the facts exactly right, but miss the truth and that accurately capturing the reality of a period or person requires artistic skill. He further reminded the audience of the necessity of writing the history of scientific and creative endeavors and their equal importance to political or military events in the understanding of our time.
To close the discussion, David McCullough read from the opening of his current book, as of yet purposefully untitled, on Americans in France during the first half of the 20th Century. Building upon The Greater Journey and aiming at capturing a different story than that of the already well-covered “lost generation,” McCullough is focusing on the advent of flight as a lens through which to vividly portray the history of Americans in Paris and explore cross-cultural influences.
The lecture was followed by a question and answer session, a book signing, and reception in honor of David McCullough and the Friends of the Library.
The Friends of the Library, founded in 1961 by library readers, helps build library collections with annual dues and special initiatives. In addition to providing important financial support for acquisitions, the FOL has helped to raise awareness of the Library through regular programs presenting the works of its readers.