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)

1776

I love David McCullough's writing and this book, 1776, made me see what our founders went through to bring this nation into existence, their outward faith in God, and the fact that without General George Washington, this country would not exist as it does today, a free nation. We are shown both his failures and his success brought about by his determination to get the job done no matter what the odds. Many strange events gives the eye of faith the ability to see God's hand at work in the fighting. HOnor was paramoount in those days. The reader did a good job.

Fantastic and very informative book

Just an all around great book. Even though I knew most of the events he spoke of, the level of detail he went into (without being tedious) and the number of new things I learned was incredible. Highly recommended!

When you thought you knew some history?

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

Just excellent. A 3 star on the narrator because it is the author, a little dry, and not a professional reader but he is very good and who better to tell his own story. Your perspective will change with an increased appreciation for what people suffered and sacrificed and how terribly fragile our beginning actually was.

What did you like best about this story?

A detailed account of events we thought we knew.

What three words best describe David McCullough’s performance?

more than adequate

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The personal moments of despair and frustration and how Washington overcame those.

Charles E.

A difficult time, beautifully written and spoken by the author. The well rounded picture of the critical circumstances surrounding the birth of our nation. A view from both sides of the Atlantic. A remedy for ignorance.

Enjoyed it.

I learned a few thing listening to this book, and enjoyed the story. I gave it 4 stars, but 3 and a half might be closer.

Bought My Own Copy

A good friend of mine got me into audiobooks many years ago. He let me borrow his copy of "1776", the birth of United States. Ever since then, I've been fascinated with David McCullough and have listened to all of his books. He can do no wrong when he writes about history. This is my second time at listening to this book and it's like getting a front row seat in class, especially when David McCullough narrating his book.

When Audible had "1776" on sale, I had to buy it to have it in my library. If my friend didn't lend me his copy of the audiobook, I would had ever had discover the best historian of all times. David McCullough is like a grandparent that you wish that you had because you can appreciate when they speak. The knowledge from this man is second to none.

Dorchester Heights

just amazing learning the views and opinions of both sides and how the odds were against these rebels for freedom

Good Book, a few audio production issues

I liked the book. Certainly was eye opening regarding our American Revolution history.

I only have mild annoyances with the production that would have long ~10 second pauses every 30-40 minutes.

Great

Really interesting book. some of the stories in it are pretty amazing, and I love all the historical accuracy.

Great Historical Read!

Great Historical Read! Great insight to our forefathers and how our nation came to be.