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)

Fantastic

His voice is of the most soothing proffessor, and you will eagerly learn just how close we came to losing this war. Brings historical figures to life, rounds them out with personalities. Must have researched forever.

Wanted to like it.

Just didn't hold my attention. When details would draw me in, the layout moved on to the next untimely progression.

What a way to start a country

This is a very enjoyable listen. I found it enlightening. It does a good job of showing the hardships faced by the early fathers of the revolution. A relatively small percentage of men changed the course of our history. There are some incredible leadership traits portrayed in the anecdotes throughout this book. We see Washington dealing with indecision, backbiting, desertion, as well as natural disasters. All the while, keeping the end in mind and persevering for his cause. McCullough does a nice job narrating, but he's more of an author the narrator. You're not going to be captivated by the narration as much as the story.

Great book

Loved it! Provided fantastic insight in to a crucial time in our history. When it was over I wanted nothing more than to keep listening to the entire history of the Revolution. Next up for me is Ron Chernow's biography of George Washington.

Our history and a great one.

Great story about the sacrifices of our forefathers. The detail and eyewitness accounts are very good.

Great listen!

Wonderful take, informed by the facts, on an important time in American history! Highly recommended!

Miraculous

This book is an inspiring cumulation of firsthand personal witnesses to the revolution. It demonstrates the difficulties and successes of that rag tag group of citizen soldiers led by General George Washington. He may have been a man with a few faults but he was inspired from on High and inspiring to those he led. Those who knew him revered him. Without General George Washington there would be no United States of America.

LOVE IT

LOVE DAVID McCullough BOOKS, SO INFORMATIVE! I ALWAYS ENJOY THHEM. 1776 WAS A GREAT REMINDER OF WHY I'M BLESSED TO LIVE IN AMERICA.

Awesome

Would you listen to 1776 again? Why?

Yes... I did... it's a great story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1776?

The Hessian attack on Fort Lee.

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

Mmmm... hard to say, since I haven't read the book. But DM has a good voice, good intonation and pronunciation... maturity.

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

Many great moments... but the observations and recollections of average soldiers are great: recalling how cold they were, or how prosperous American cities seemed to be.

Any additional comments?

Pay attention to hints of why seemingly wealthy Americans like Washington, Jefferson, Adams et al would risk everything-- literally everything-- in the Revolution.

Can’t wait for the sequel!

My only regret is that the book doesn’t take us all the way to Yorktown...