David McKean
Author, Historian, and Former Ambassador
Exploring the pivotal moments and influential figures that shaped American history and politics
About
David McKean is an acclaimed historian and author specializing in American political history. His work examines the critical moments and influential figures that have shaped the nation's political landscape.
With a career spanning decades in both diplomacy and academia, McKean brings unique insights to his historical narratives. His books have been praised for their meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and fresh perspectives on well-known historical events.
McKean has served as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg and has held various positions in government and international affairs. His diplomatic experience informs his historical analysis, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of political power and decision-making.
Books
The Flag Was Still There (Coming Spring 2026)
A History of the American Experiment in Five Anniversaries
Co-authored with M. Todd Bennett, this groundbreaking work explores the American experiment through five pivotal anniversaries, revealing how commemorations have shaped our understanding of democracy, freedom, and national identity across generations.
David McKean and M. Todd Bennett's The Flag was Still There is a brilliantly written and an illuminating deep-dive historical investigation over how Americans have celebrated Independence Day, at fifty-year intervals, since 1776. Based on a seamless combination of energetic research and crisp set-piece anecdotes, this must-read book is the perfect opening salvo in anticipation of our July 4, 2026 semi-quincentennial. Highly recommended! —Douglas Brinkley, Professor of History at Rice University
Watching Darkness Fall
FDR, His Ambassadors, and the Rise of Adolf Hitler
A compelling narrative of how Franklin D. Roosevelt and his ambassadors in Europe witnessed and responded to the rise of Nazi Germany, revealing the diplomatic challenges and moral dilemmas faced in the years leading up to World War II.
David McKean's superbly readable chronicle of FDR and his ambassadors offers new insight on modern history's greatest tragedy: The rise of Hitler and the Nazis . . . . Watching Darkness Fall is one of those works that by illuminating the shadows makes a familiar story all the more powerful. A must for the bookshelf of anyone fascinated by World War II history.―David Ignatius, columnist, The Washington Post
Partners of First Resort
America, Europe, and the Future of the West
An insightful analysis of the transatlantic relationship between America and Europe, examining the historical partnership and exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the Western alliance in the 21st century.
A fine book [and] bold attempt to set out a grand strategy for the West, perhaps timed to catch the attention of President Biden and his team of advisers.—Paul Kennedy, The Wall Street Journal
Suspected of Independence
The Life of Thomas McKean, America's First Power Broker
A revelatory biography of Thomas McKean, a founding father whose political acumen and strategic maneuvering made him one of early America's most influential yet overlooked figures in the fight for independence.
In this fascinating tale of a long forgotten founder, David McKean reminds us that politics have long been rough and nasty—but that integrity and steadfast faith in the rule of law can, then as now, overcome partisan pettiness and reckless passion. McKean is a gifted writer and historian with a clear-eyed view of the past that is highly relevant to the present. —Evan Thomas, author of Being Nixon
The Great Decision
Jefferson, Adams, Marshall, and the Battle for the Supreme Court
A gripping account of the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison and the political battle between Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Chief Justice John Marshall that established judicial review and shaped the American constitutional system.
Cliff Sloan and David McKean have taken the story of Marbury v. Madison and revealed it to be what it always was: a drama of the first order--superbly and fluidly rendered here--and a decision that would cement the power of the third and most neglected leg of the tripod that still to this day supports us all. -- Ken Burns, Filmmaker
Tommy the Cork
Washington's Ultimate Insider from Roosevelt to Reagan
The fascinating biography of Thomas "Tommy the Cork" Corcoran, one of Washington's most influential power brokers who shaped American politics for five decades, from the New Deal through the Reagan era.
. . . it's the sign of a good book that the reader wishes there was more of it, and many will have that feeling about Tommy the Cork. McKean has used Corcoran's own papers, interviews with acquaintances and the vast hordes of New Deal memoirs and histories to compile this fine collection of Corcoran anecdotes. He has performed a public service, collecting a revealing boatload of Washington stories and giving Corcoran his first full biography. – Robert G. Kaiser, The Washington Post Book Review (cover)
Friends in High Places
The Rise and Fall of Clark Clifford
Co-authored with Douglas Frantz, this book chronicles the remarkable career of Clark Clifford, the legendary Washington insider who advised presidents from Truman to Carter before his dramatic fall from grace.
Several times, Mr. Frantz and Mr. McKean refer to Mr. Clifford's story as a Greek tragedy. That's certainly Mr. Clifford's own view, and it is in the interest of Mr. Frantz and Mr. McKean as biographers that their subject be of truly grand proportions. Their fascinating book raises inter alia the best argument against the idea: it can't be a tragedy if the main character was never really a hero -- Nicholas Lemann, The New York Times
Events
An evening discussion on the landmark Supreme Court case that shaped American constitutional law.
Exploring the life and legacy of Thomas McKean and his role in American independence.
A panel discussion on the evolution of American diplomatic relations with Europe.
Speaking on FDR's ambassadors and the challenges of diplomacy in the face of rising fascism.