Dorie McCullough Lawson introduces the collection by explaining her professional relationship with her father, the historian David McCullough. In 1992, Lawson took over the management of his public life following the publication of his biography Truman (1992). To avoid the awkwardness of referring to him as “your father” or “David” in professional settings, Lawson and Victoria Meyer, a publicity executive, agreed to use the abbreviation “DMcC.” Lawson adopts this moniker throughout the book.

Lawson highlights the vital contributions of Mike Hill, McCullough’s research assistant of 40 years. Following McCullough’s passing, Lawson and Hill spent two years organizing his physical archives. Because the historian never used a computer, the archives consist entirely of paper documents, including handwritten manuscripts and letters, stored in filing cabinets and occasionally in a New England barn.

The resulting collection compiles McCullough’s previously unpublished speeches, essays, and personal writings. Lawson acknowledges that the collection cannot fully capture McCullough’s disciplined personality, his everyday quirks, or the immense influence of Rosalee Barnes McCullough, his wife of nearly 68 years. Lawson credits Rosalee as the foundational support behind McCullough’s career. Ultimately, Lawson states the book is a response to the public's enduring desire or more of McCullough’s historical