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)

Great story of the early war

This book was a great look at not only Washington, but the other military officers who played a part in the development of the nation. The book focuses on the war - the declaration of independence and the congressional meetings are mere afterthoughts. The tales of troop movements and of getting and transporting supplies are remarkable when compared to our modern military abilities.

Summer reading

This was a book that I had to read for school and it was not that bad. There is only seven chapters.( that are quite long). It is pretty good for a us history class.

Very informative and phenomenal read BY the Author

A very educated read on the trials and tribulations of America's first army and the fateful clash of armies at the onset of the Revolutionary War. An energetic and enlightening approach on history read by the author in his own words makes this a wonderful narrative makes this a must 'hear' audio book!

great historical listen

i enjoyed this book a lot. production and sound is good, and the story is linear and well descibed.

Makes Revolutionary History Fun and Exciting

I live in Warwick, RI and travel by and near sites that Nathanial Greene lived in or trained on and never knew it. Not til I gasped while doing my laundry listening to 1776 by David McCullough - especially when he mentioned all these great events and men who lived in my area. I cannot rave enough about this fine book. I ordered several more here at Audible from the same author. In a word - Wow!

Compelling and Honest

I found myself in happy tears at the end, feeling the weight of struggle and renewal of vigor the Continental Army experienced through such a tumultuous year. I love David McCullough's voice, and his deep understanding of the story can be both heard and felt. What a difference Pulitzer-prize-winning writing makes! I feel as if I now personally know George Washington, Nathaniel Green, and Heny Knox, and perhaps stood by them during the battles with British troops so long ago. Not something I ever thought I would say, that's for certain!

David McCullough's 1776

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

I love history and also like David McCullough's voice in this book which he wrote. I am amazing at the detail that he can get out of one year. Of course George Washington is one of my most impressive personages, and I think God's hand was upon him. Great Story - Great History!

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1776?

Of course, the battle of Trenton which was a change to encouragement and winning. To me it was all memorable!

What does David McCullough bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Having seen him on TV and knowing him in this way, I could visualize him. I like his voice.

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

At one point (and I don't recall where it is) someone describes George Washington in an amazing and impacting way.

Any additional comments?

I wish everyone - especially HS and College students, would just read it!!!!

Engaging and Enjoyable

I enjoyed the audio presentation of 1776. The story shed light into Washington and his supporting officers and formed a well researched narrative around the year 1776. The book also brought Washington down from the legendary status he holds today in the USA and shows his strengths and faults. Of this, I greatly enjoyed. If i have a complaint for this book it is that it stays true to its title a little to well and only covers the events of the title's year. I look forward to finding a more expansive work so that I can learn more of these great participants in America's history.

really entertaining!!!!

The reader/author did a great job at telling an entertaining story with excerpts from original diary entries or letters to back up the reality of his story. very enjoyable.

History Lesson

In short, it was a great history lesson and in depth view of the most pivotal year in our nation’s history and an introduction to many of the patriots that probably most of us never knew of...