Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did reading this collection of speeches and essays feel different from reading one of McCullough’s narrative biographies? What did you find were the strengths or weaknesses of this more fragmented format?

2. Reading McCullough’s reflections in History Matters offers a unique window into his philosophy. How does this collection change how you might view his major biographies, like Truman (1992) or John Adams (2001)?

3. Which essay or speech resonated with you the most, and what made it stand out? Was it a profile of a historical figure, a reflection on writing, or his argument for history’s importance?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. McCullough argues that history is a vital “extension of life” (4). Think about a time when learning about a historical event or person gave you a new perspective on your own life. How did it change your understanding of the present?

2. Who was a teacher or mentor in your life, like McCullough’s professor Vincent Scully, who taught you how to see the world differently? What did you learn from them?

3. The essay “A Book on Every Bed” describes a cherished family tradition centered on reading. What traditions related to learning were part of your own upbringing, or which have you created for yourself or your family?

4. Have you ever had an experience like McCullough’s, where you couldn’t connect with a book because you disliked the central figure? What does this suggest about the relationship between a writer or reader and a book’s subject?

5. Did this book change your perspective on your own relationship with the past? In what ways do you feel more or less connected to history after reading McCullough’s argument that indifference is a form of ingratitude?

6. McCullough’s motto was “Look at your fish,” a reminder to observe something closely before forming conclusions. How might you apply this principle of sustained observation to an area of your own life, whether it’s your work, a hobby, or your relationships?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. McCullough warns that the gap between the educated and the uneducated is a greater threat to democracy than the one between rich and poor. How relevant does this argument feel in today’s social and political climate?

2. After reading McCullough’s case for why history matters, what do you think are the biggest challenges to fostering historical curiosity in our society today?

3. What does McCullough’s vision of leadership, which emphasizes character over charisma in figures like Washington and Truman, suggest about the qualities we value in public figures today?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The theme of Contingency Over Inevitability is central to McCullough’s work. How does he use specific historical examples, like the American army’s escape from Brooklyn, to make history feel immediate and uncertain?

2. McCullough argues that history and art are inseparable, often using paintings by artists like Thomas Eakins as primary sources. How does his analysis of visual art deepen his historical narratives and support his arguments about character?

3. What is the effect of the editors including personal essays, like “Getting Through to Schlesinger,” alongside McCullough’s more formal historical pieces? How do these autobiographical moments shape your understanding of him as a historian?

4. McCullough was a strong advocate for “writing for the ear.” Can you identify passages that are particularly melodic in this way? What specific writing techniques contribute to this auditory quality?

5. In what ways does McCullough’s nonfiction writing, influenced by novelists like Herman Wouk, borrow techniques from fiction to develop his subjects’ characters and build narrative tension?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Your task is to design a “Look at your fish” museum exhibit based on one of the historical figures in this book. Which figure would you choose, and what three everyday objects from their life would you feature to reveal a surprising aspect of their character?

2. Let’s say you’re adding one essay to the “Figures in a Landscape” section of this book about a lesser-known historical figure who you feel embodies McCullough’s definition of character. Who would you choose to profile, and what key event in their life would you focus on to illustrate their merit?