1776

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: David McCullough

America’s beloved and distinguished historian presents, in a book of breathtaking excitement, drama, and narrative force, the stirring story of the year of our nation’s birth, 1776, interweaving, on both sides of the Atlantic, the actions and decisions that led Great Britain to undertake a war against her rebellious colonial subjects and that placed America’s survival in the hands of George Washington.

In this masterful book, 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 a powerful drama written with extraordinary narrative vitality. It 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 King’s men, 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.

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

"This is 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, Starred Review

"A master story-teller's character driven account of a storied year in the American Revolution. A sterling account."
-- Kirkus, Starred Review

"...McCullough brilliantly captures the Spirit of '76 in Washington's miraculous victories at Trenton and Princeton. An altogether marvelous contribution that deserves to be read by every American."
-- Library Journal

A Nicely Turned Story

Any additional comments?

If the history of the Revolutionary War were a three volume set, this would be the middle volume. The book opens a short time after Bunker Hill and ends just after Washington crosses the Delaware.

Loved it. Found myself wanting 1777 and beyond!

If you could sum up 1776 in three words, what would they be?

Moving, McCullough portrays heros as men with inner struggles and well as outer and in doing so makes us understand their heroism.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1776?

In taking Dorchester Heights I found out why Americans loved General Washington and how daring he was.

Have you listened to any of David McCullough’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but I wish he narrated all of his books and wrote more profusely :)

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

When some British soldiers were so shocked at the pitiable physical condition of the American soldiers and how many of them were elderly and under 15 years old.

Any additional comments?

I would love more books narrated by Mr. McCullogh even if they are written by others. He is a wonderful narrator. He has eloquence without being pompous, a failing of some other narrators.

Rounds out historical education

If you could sum up 1776 in three words, what would they be?

Thanks David McCullough

Any additional comments?

I felt like my difficient historical knowlege was seriously buouyed by this book.

Excellent

Fascinating account by McCullough of the early days of the war for independence, when the revolution hung in the balance.

A good book

A detailed and interesting recounting of the military actions surrounding the declaration of independence and the start of the American war of independence.

The only reservation I have after finishing this book is that if one is to read but a single book on the war of independece, this is too limited - describing only the military actions of the first year and very little of the politics.

Other than that it is a very good book, and deals splendidly with its subject.

The narration could be described as very solemn, though this fits the subject well and does in no way detract from the experience.

A good listen, and one I can recommend to those interested in military actions of the era.