The Greater Journey

In The Greater Journey, bestselling historian David McCullough explores the inspiring tale of American artists, writers, doctors, and politicians who journeyed to Paris between 1830 and 1900, seeking to learn and enhance their craft. Notable figures such as Elizabeth Blackwell, Charles Sumner, and Harriet Beecher Stowe shaped both their lives and American culture through their experiences abroad. McCullough vividly chronicles their remarkable achievements and challenges, including the courageous actions of American ambassador Elihu Washburne during the Franco-Prussian War. This untold story captures the transformative impact of Paris on these pioneers and their contributions to American history.