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

Great story - always good to learn about our history and love the way David tells a story.

Informative read

Enjoyed hearing this history of 1776 learned many things of which I was unaware.

Outstanding!

The beginning of American history comes alive in this well written story. Praise be to God!

Opened my eyes

I loved gaining a new understanding of our forefathers. It was gripping as I listened to the events unfold.

Interesting & worthwhile listening

This is a wonderful narrative of the first year of the fight for American Independence. It really should be a must-read for students in middle and high school.

Fantastic history

The author has done a wonderful job in both research and presentation. This is a wonderfully written book that dramatically shows God's providence in the formation of our country. There's no way we should have beaten the British.

Riveting and Informative

I enjoyed listening to 1776 which focuses on the military movementsand actions of that pivotal year in American history. Though there is a primary focus on George Washington I found the details of lower officers and the hardships of marching/camping to be the most interesting. I usually think little of authors narrating their own books, but McCullough was clearly comfortable and practiced in a public speaking role.

It tantalized my taste buds

Just spent the whole of my Sunday learning the American History from the declaration of independence right through to the abolition of slavery by President Lincoln(and of course the American Civil war)...and I am no American! This book, although focusing on the events leading to the declaration of independent, offers a lot of insight into the operations of the old British Empire and why America is what it is today.

The template of history can and should be applied today. A lesson perhaps, to our leaders.

The American Revolution Made Real

David McCullough brilliantly illuminates one year in the struggle of our nation's first army under the command of the man who, deservedly, became our first President. George Washington, (as well as the men who served under him), is revealed by McCullough to be a flawed human being who made plenty of mistakes, some of which could have cost this country its independence. Impatient and, at times, overcome with anger, he is also shown to have been wise and calculating, in his dealings with and estimation of, the British commanders he had to outwit, as well as some of the generals who advised him. The American Revolution should have been this colorfully rendered and detailed in the history texts used when I was in grade school. McCullough is a brilliant historian and writer who makes his subjects as real as if they were alive today. There were times where, in listening to this audiobook, I found myself wondering ahead how Washington and the increasingly dwindling, ragtag army that he commanded would ever be able to overcome the overwhelming odds against them. Of course, I knew they did eventually prevail in the struggle to win the Revolutionary War, but McCullough writes in such a way as to keep you guessing. He makes the subject accessible, alive, interesting and even thrilling, too.

Journey of great peril, heroism, and growth

First, I have to say that the description of the crossing of the Delaware had me so excited that I was short of breath. I had the painting on the subject firmly in my mind and was thrilled to be hearing the retelling.

As the book contains excellent lessons in strength in leadership, I was enthralled as it wound its way through the evolution of General Washington and his counsel. And it shows the great importance of surrounding yourself with great people but making strong and final decisions.

And I came away from the book incredibly proud to be an American. The sacrifices and hardships described in this book give me great reason to stand with my head high.

I'll finish by summarizing my thoughts in two words: "Get it!"