David McCullough with Ken Burns on The Wright Brothers

Two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize David McCullough talks with pre-eminent historical documentarian, Ken Burns, telling the dramatic story-behind the story of the courageous brothers who taught the world how to fly: Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Recorded May 7, 2015 at 92nd Street Y.

[abbymoser]

Just so sad today that the world has lost David McCullough. An incredible historian.

[alanmcneill]

My history students were riveted to Ken Burns film THE CIVIL WAR, and it was Mr McCullough's writing and the tremendous intelligence and remarkable voice, filled with the accents that make listening a joy, that brought this American drama alive. Mr Mcullough had no idea how much impact he had on his listreners, we could never put in words our love for his gifts. RIP....you gave mankind more than we deserved.

[kmabythesea]

I visited Martha's Vineyard once. I ate dinner in a very nice restaurant there and out of the blue Mr. McCullough was seated at the table next to me. I was stunned. I said nothing - he had a wonderful dinner with his group - and I was just so happy to hear his voice bubble up every now and then. A terrific memory for me.

[bernardcleary]

I've read a half dozen of Mr. McCullough's books. Never have I enjoyed reading history more, and I minored in history at university. He was a consummate story teller who took great pains to present a balanced, compelling, and meticulously researched narrative. I will miss him greatly. Rest in peace, good sir.

[robcoventry]

Ken, how much you must be saddened by David’s passing. His loss was an incredible impact on me and I never met him. Yet you had the unique pleasure of knowing him in person and having a career influenced by him. So sad for your loss.

[storiesUp]

That voice .. when David speaks it draws you in .. he is a story teller supreme. I adore these two men.

[gregoryverch]

I teach high school US History and after Mr McCullough’s passing … I decided to put a project into place that I always hoped to do but just kept putting off. I asked my district to purchase multiples of all of his books and then I have students do a two prong report … a short presentation on any story they learned about from the book they chose and then to answer a few very broad questions about the impact of the book and what it means to them. I even give extra credit if they do it with their parents! I am hoping for great things 😊

[Hollis_has_questions]

One of the greatest interviews I’ve ever experienced. Thank you, gentlemen, and RIP Mr. McCullough.

[EthioMod]

One of the best books I've ever read. The ingenuity and perseverance of the Wright Brothers to attain controlled flight through countless failures and hardships is nothing short of a miracle. What an amazing story.

[Vigilant_Guardian]

sorry to have lost David, I have such great admiration for this man's stories and virtues. Transends the American Adventure

[warriorpups]

Elegant! Two masters at play and we get to enjoy them and learn!

[silverfeigner]

RIP David McCullough. You will be missed greatly because of your ability to bring history to life, and having a voice that is apparently a cure for insomnia. LOL. Seriously though, you are a national treasure.

[nathanfugate]

The one thing the Wrights don't get credit for is the modern propeller. It was their genius that realized a propeller was really a wing in rotation, should be an airfoil, and needed to be twisted along it's length to equalize the lift (thrust) generated as it turned. A modern propeller is 85% efficient. The Wright's first hand-carved propeller was 80% efficient. Enough said.

[TheBTG]

Enjoyed all his books. His death is a great loss to the country and history. RIP

[colleenmonfross]

Oh gosh, I just love him! He articulated some things about our country that really put my own thoughts and feelings into words and gave me a new perspective as well.

[skjones]

1776 should be the first history book kids read. It's effortless flow and accessibility to the reader are so engaging, leaves you wanting to delve into the specific moments further. A national treasure who will live forever in our American experience.

[mgretche]

RIP you good man.
May we all benefit by you brilliant stories of our history.

[donbalduf]

I live about a mile from Orville Wright’s house Hawthorn Hill in Oakwood. The Wrights were everything you hear described here and probably more. They were original thinkers who did their own experimentation, developed their own theories and did not accept the conventional thinking of the experts. One small criticism of the interview: Otto Lilienthal was not an armchair theorist. He flew his gliders and in fact was killed in a crash.

[jamesnorton]

I need to do some more reading to soak up more of David McCullough's wonderful work. So sorry he has left us.

[johnstevenson]

I don't yet have all of David McCullough's books, but I plan to. His writing is fascinating.