The Greater Journey

Americans in Paris

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Length: 16 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

The Greater Journey is the enthralling, inspiring - and until now, untold - story of the adventurous American artists, writers, doctors, politicians, architects, and others of high aspiration who set off for Paris in the years between 1830 and 1900, ambitious to excel in their work.

After risking the hazardous journey across the Atlantic, these Americans embarked on a greater journey in the City of Light. Most had never left home, never experienced a different culture. None had any guarantee of success. That they achieved so much for themselves and their country profoundly altered American history.

As David McCullough writes, “Not all pioneers went west.”

Nearly all of the Americans profiled here - including Elizabeth Blackwell, James Fenimore Cooper, Mark Twain, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harriet Beecher Stowe - whatever their troubles learning French, their spells of homesickness, and their suffering in the raw cold winters by the Seine, spent many of the happiest days and nights of their lives in Paris. McCullough tells this sweeping, fascinating story with power and intimacy, bringing us into the lives of remarkable men and women who, in Saint-Gaudens’s phrase, longed “to soar into the blue”. The Greater Journey is itself a masterpiece.

©2011 David McCullough (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

St Gaudens description.

Well written and researched. Tended to overload on the St Gaudens and all the small details of the sculptor’s life.

The Authors reading

Nothing it was wonderfully written and read a true pleasure of Paris. Everyone should go and enjoy the beautiful city.

Fascinating Look at Paris & Americans in mid 1900s

I agree with Rick and jesse's reviews. I didn't know what to expect but I took a bit of chance because: a) author has been so reliable; and b) outline of book.
The story is not a linear unfolding of a person's life as in 'John Adams'. It is a somewhat linear story (although the timeline is not always straight*) of some noteworthy Americans (some readily known and some more obscure) and how their journey's to Paris impacted first, their lives and ultimately their impact on art, medicine, innovation and on a growing America.
At that time, the knowledge and experience of the arts and medicine in Paris was vastly more than in the US. The people profiled in these pages mostly traveled there, in difficult circumstances, to gain knowledge and expertise. But it isn't only about how Paris affected some Americans. Many of these people also made their own impact on Paris and the arts. The particularly heartwarming story of Elihu Washburne illustrates how an American affected so many lives compassionately in a time of war.
I was very glad I chose this book and looked forward to listening to it every day. The stories of the struggling and ultimately acclaimed American artists will prod me to investigate them more and see some of their artworks.
*Often, Mr McCullough will unfold the actions of a main character when he/she is an adult at the time of traveling to or being in Paris. Then, later, he will tell the back-story of that person. It was easy to get used to.

Two thumbs up

I totally enjoyed this book, both the book itself and the reading. I bought it because I like D. McCullough's writing - thoroughly enjoyed 1776 - but was still surprised as how much fun and how interesting it was.

Devotees of David McCullough will be pleased

I love David McCullough & I love Paris!! That said while I enjoyed "The Greater Journey", it's boundaries were too broad to be as tight a story as "1776" or "Truman"... 2 of his classic works!
Another obstacle to overcome is that the subject matter delves into the lives and works of those who made sculptures & paintings. In the format of an audible book (i.e., no photos) and myself not being an art historian, I found it hard to fully appreciate the works McCullough was describing.
David McCullough reads a portion of the book and his voice is so rich I would pay to listen to him reading soup can labels. Edward Hermann is in the same class and he makes audible listening experiences a REAL joy!
If you're a devotee of the works of David McCullough, you'll enjoy this work! But if you're new to his works, I wouldn't place this at the top of the list.

historic details excellent

had just traveled to Paris so found this read interesting. many details of life and famous personalities that have added to our current world from medical advancements, art, building of the famous tower.

Paris is always Inviting

If you could sum up The Greater Journey in three words, what would they be?

I've been to Paris and seen the museums, walked many of the streets mentioned and loved visiting Paris and hope to go back again. This wonderful book, beautifully narrated brought back many fond memories and gave me a much greater historical look at Paris which I had never known about but found absolutely fascinating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Greater Journey?

Finding out about the plague and the Franco Prussian war.

What about Edward Herrmann’s performance did you like?

He was the perfect person to narrate this book as he has a wide range of tone and emphasis needed for the numerous and various scenes.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it at night before I went to bed.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend this book, one of the best every audible books I've listened to of late.

Lost interest

Would you try another book from David McCullough and/or Edward Herrmann?

Probably not -- I started out enjoying it, but it went on too long. Stopped listening half way through.

Deadly slow start, monotonous read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Greater Journey to be better than the print version?

No: I listen while driving, and while McCullough is an excellent writer, the narrator's voice puts me right to sleep!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely not - it should be savored in chunks.

Any additional comments?

A long and good read, but the introductory passages are very dull.

Lovely....just lovely

Very well written and read. I will keep the physical copy for my personal library.