1776

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: David McCullough

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

In this stirring audiobook, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence, when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper.

Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats, who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known. But it is the American commander-in-chief who stands foremost: Washington, who had never before led an army in battle.

The darkest hours of that tumultuous year were as dark as any Americans have known. Especially in our own tumultuous time, 1776 is powerful testimony to how much is owed to a rare few in that brave founding epoch, and what a miracle it was that things turned out as they did.

Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough's 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history.

©2005 David McCullough (P)2005 Simon and Schuster Inc. AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon and Schuster Audio Division, Simon and Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Narration by the Author
• 2005 Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award, Nonfiction

"A first-rate historical account." (Booklist)

"A narrative tour de force, exhibiting all the hallmarks the author is known for: fascinating subject matter, expert research, and detailed, graceful prose.... Simply put, this is history writing at its best from one of its top practitioners." (Publishers Weekly)

"A stirring and timely work, reminding us that it's soldiers rather than 'tavern patriots and windy politicians' who have always paid the price of American idealism and determined its successes. (The New York Times)

History that`s not boring. Great book!

The writers and readers really bring the story alive in a way that engages you in history.

Brilliant view to G. Washington & US Continental

Vivid and detailed account of the birth of our nation, hardships endured, personalities involved, and the efforts required for independence

Great Washington Insights

A funny and enlightening listen. I learned things about the father of our country that history books simply didn't reveal. And what a hoot ole George was at first, during his initiation into the American Revolution. Great!

very comprehensive.

This was well read. Reader had a good pace and tone. Material can be dry by nature.

History you enjoy

I am not a history buff, but was dissappointed when I got to the end of this book. Provides an account of 1776 that makes you feel like you were there. Fascinating information about and around historic events. Can hardly wait for 1777!

Good journalism, but ignores God

The story is very interesting and uses Original sources personal letters of many people Book ignores the religious aspect and God's sovereign hand

Interesting

Much to learn from this book. The author is fascinated by Washington yet honest in regard to his poor judgment. It is a book worth reading for those not so familiar with this history like myself

George Washington was the best

Finished hearing this amazing history story just before July 4th 2018 as I realized I was here in PA since January in the very land the fought. I was excited.

I'm so glad I chose this historical novel

I listen while I garden and the words took me to each battle, town and Washington came alive with all of his personal notes.

The Continental Army The Hand of God

Captured and held hostage by McCullough's "1776." Very engaging. Would have been cool to have had a geographical map of colonial America to plot each battles descriptive progressions. Real good listen. Time well spent.