Brave Companions

Gr 7 Up-Originally published in 1992, the essays in this collection are well researched and written in a friendly, engaging style, drawing listeners into a world of courage, determination, and search for adventure. McCullough reads the 17 biographical essays that include sketches of scientist/explorer Alexander von Humboldt, author Harriet Beecher Stowe, artist Frederic Remington, author/cowboy/president Theodore Roosevelt, aviator Charles Lindbergh, engineer/bridge builder Washington Roebling, and photographer David Plowden. -VERDICT These essays can be used by teachers in history, science, literature, and writing classes. ["Superb storytelling with a unique slant": SLJ 10/92 review of the Prentice Hall book.]-Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Despite the diversity of their interests and achievements, the men and women profiled in this collection of 17 essays by bestselling historian McCullough ( The Great Bridge ; The Path Between the Seas ) had a lot in common. Whether scientist (Louis Agassiz, Alexander von Humboldt), engineer (John and Washington Roebling), writer (Harriet Beecher Stowe, Conrad Aiken) or artist (Frederic Remington), each had a special perspective that continues to influence us. A skilled portraitist, McCullough vibrantly captures these viewpoints as he relates their impact on his own thought. Produced over 20 years, the essays unfold seamlessly to reveal the uniqueness of individuals whose ``work and interests are inspiriting forces.'' History Book Club and QPB alternates. (Nov.) Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information.

YA-- McCullough's compendium of fascinating mini-biographies is a sheer delight, and will hold the attention of many history and science students. In this distillation of over 20 years of his shorter essays, the author chose individuals who are distinctive for their contributions to culture. The 17 biographies highlight the fields of social work, etymology, architecture, literature, and history, all of which are interconnected in memorable ways. The book maintains strong reader interest because of an intelligent, practiced, precise style combined with a wise and rich choice of subject. Familiar figures such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Miriam Rothschild, and Teddy Roosevelt share space with lesser-known individuals--but all are people who merit admiration. Superb storytelling with a unique slant makes this work a strong acquisition for all collections.-- Carol Beall, Immanuel Christian School, Springfield, VA Copyright 1992 Cahners Business Information.