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)

A wonderful book

It is a treat to listen to this book. David McCullough's voice is so soothing I keep hearing it even after I finshed the book.

Excellent Book

This is an excellent story to make you feel patriotic and give yourself an excellent history refresher (great because I have kids, so I sound really smart when I can answer history questions!) This really captures you and is hard to "put down" so to speak.

Awesome

Things I was never taught in school. So glad I bought it. Will listen to it again

Loved it.

McCullough has such a great style in history telling ... folding quoted letters into the factual events, with character's emotions.

Great History

Where does 1776 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook was masterfully done and spoke with true patriotic passion. I enjoyed every aspect of this audio book I will probably listen to it agian in the future.

Which character – as performed by David McCullough – was your favorite?

I would have to say the story of Henry Knox was my favorite of this read. His triumphs over the elements and his misfortunes had me.

Spectacular overview of a critical year

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love revolutionary history, and this book brings to life a tale of failures and successes, and how they shaped the struggle against the British Crown.

What other book might you compare 1776 to and why?

I wouldn't - I can't say that I've actually read or listened to another such book in years, if not decades.

What about David McCullough’s performance did you like?

His performance is clean and emphatic, easy to understand, yet also well-metered. The fact that he's the author doesn't make the performance itself better, but it's more satisfying to know it.

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

I listened to the book every day on my way to work until I was finished - it took about two weeks, and that's about the right amount of time to digest each portion. Not too much, yet enough to keep you salivating over the next installment.

A must read (listen) for Revolutionary history fans.

Beautifully written and even more so read. The piecing together of a broad array of historical fact into a succinct story brought together an amazing work of literature.

I will read this again and again.

Wonderfully narrated by the author.

Excellent!

I usually go for mysteries or adventures but this historical novel about the battle for independence was fabulous. A must listen for all Americans.

must read

This is a must read book in understanding of our nation's history. So many other books so many other times yes but this also deserves a place on the list. Well written well read enjoyed every minute of it. Wish that the author had done an entire series of the war in the same manner. A good mix of historical records and personal accounts excellent

Another McCullough Masterpiece!

One of McCullough's most treasured gifts, is his ability to know how much to write and when to stop. The detail is inviting and full-trot. And the icing on the cake is McCullough's delivery. Same wonderful pace and canter. Bravo!