David McCullough's posthumous collection, History Matters, showcases his belief that history is fundamentally about people and their stories. Compiled by his daughter and a longtime collaborator, the essays and speeches highlight McCullough's narrative approach to history, focusing on the humanity of historical figures rather than viewing them from a detached perspective. He emphasizes empathy, the complexity of decision-making, and the importance of character, drawing on examples like President Harry Truman and George Washington to illustrate how individuals shape the course of events. McCullough's writing blurs the lines between biography and storytelling, insisting that to truly understand history, one must appreciate the emotions, uncertainties, and motivations of those who lived it.