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)

Absolute excellence!

David McCullough is definitely the "go-to" man for American history. 1776 is well researched, entertaining, and well read. The original American freedom fighters were an interesting bunch...rather different from the stick-figure heroes we learned about in grade school! Highly recommend!!!!

Go Team!

interesting that he paints the Loyalists in a way that brings up comparisons to the modern anti-war movement

Excellent

A stirring story, made the better with the McCullough's eye for detail. I particularly enjoyed hearing the author read his own work. Recommended!

How Close We Came

It is miraculous that our country has grown, prospered and become the model of western civilization when one considers that we nearly didn't make it. It is staggering how close we came in 1776 to failing in the great pursuit of our own independence. 1776 presents an exceptional historical account of a Nation that struggled to achieve ultimate freedom. The leadership of Washington, Greene, Knox and others is remarkable, and sets the tone for this significant work.

Great Book!

Wonderfully written and read. McCullough's voice and pacing are unmatched for narration. His writing, as usual, is flawless and easy to digest. I highly recommend this work to anyone interested in the subject.

Good Historical Read

David McCullough has a wonderful way of putting you into the time period of our nation's youth. Excellent short read. *** Read Unabridged and capture all the authors thoughtful insights ***

awesome!!!!

Loved this book. Great reading by the author a true piece of art. I will read more books by the author

Didn't want it to end

It's too bad the narrative ends in the early 1777. I enjoyed the narrative very much and learned so very much. My love and admiration for the revolutionaries grew 10-fold. Thanks David! Highly recommended.

Excellent!

Would highly recommend this to anyone interested in the Revolutionary War or Washington. Left me wishing that Mr. McCullough was going to walk me through the entire war. Only thing that would make the experience better would be an accompanying map as the geography can be challenging to follow for someone unfamiliar with the area.

A must listen for every American

I always knew George Washington was awesome; I'm convinced now more than ever. It was a miracle of God and the perseverance of Washington and Green that we managed to survive 1776 as a rebel nation. I love McCullough as a storyteller and reader!