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)

Wow

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

One one the best books on American history I have read so far....

Who was your favorite character and why?

Henry Knox

What about David McCullough’s performance did you like?

outstanding

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

almost

Any additional comments?

Very clearly explained American history even for European listener. Thx

Spectacular!!

This is the way history books should be written. A minimum of ideological commentary is used while the writer uses mostly letters and diary accounts to describe this pivotal year in a most fascinating way.

A book every American should read

Through much suffering Washington put the posterity of our nation on his shoulders and carried it to victory. This is a book worth reading.

exceptional and riveting

the author weaves a story of the inception of the American republic through the beginning of the revolutionary war. great insight though letters and correspondence between the actors in this true story.

Exciting & enlightening

This is very enlightening and a “page-turner”. I learned a great deal. I recommend it.

The Guy Narrated the Movie Seabiscuit

There are only a handful of McCullough’s works that he narrates himself. That’s what makes this so special. Pulitzer Prize winning author who narrates his own book. Great voice. Incredible book. Did you know he is the narrator in the movie Seabiscuit?

A great reminder of what it took to become a country

I could listen to David McCullough read the phone book. How much better to hear him read a great story!

Excellent detail

Outstanding research and never before heard details on the Revolutionary War and the sacrifices to establish this country.

America the great

All Americans must hear this. great story and perfectly relayed. I cant wait to hear more

Excellent!

One of the best early American history books ever written! To see the story of our country's early birth and struggles in such detail should be required reading by every American.