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)

Inner strength or dependence on God, or both?

Although indirectly alluded to, it seems that the author has diminished George Washington’s belief and dependence on God or Providence as his source of strength as he, George Washington, so stated in other works, letters and in his many published prayers.

Should be read or listened by all

Would you consider the audio edition of 1776 to be better than the print version?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

The details and chronology of the revolutionary war are without measure. Insights into the way life really was and how people did everyday things during that time. I have never had a time period described to me so well that I was without effort able to picture every moment.

What about David McCullough’s performance did you like?

Very easy and captivating voice that keeps you interested in what is said next. Extremely easy voice to listen and learn from.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I personally had a reaction to the information and history presented because it made possible for the listener/reader to come as close to experiencing what went on without personally being there. History passed down, taught or learned this way I have found allows the reader/listener to take away more and retain more.

Any additional comments?

Mr. McCullough.... Sir, I appreciate the immensity of the information that you have canonized and eloquently presented to me. I have taken on a whole new realization and respect for what my fore fathers have done for all of us. Fourth of July and even Christmas will never be the same for me or my family again. Thank You!!!

Absolutely Excellent!

Definitely one of my top five books of all time. I think everyone should read this in school and see for themselves the difficulties and hardships that were overcome in establishing this country. George Washington is rightfully a hero.

Fascinating

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. This is my first time listening to an audiobook. That DM read it himself was even better to enjoy. I love reading books, but as I get older, this dog is learning new tricks.

1776

I love David McCullough's writing and this book, 1776, made me see what our founders went through to bring this nation into existence, their outward faith in God, and the fact that without General George Washington, this country would not exist as it does today, a free nation. We are shown both his failures and his success brought about by his determination to get the job done no matter what the odds. Many strange events gives the eye of faith the ability to see God's hand at work in the fighting. HOnor was paramoount in those days. The reader did a good job.

Fantastic and very informative book

Just an all around great book. Even though I knew most of the events he spoke of, the level of detail he went into (without being tedious) and the number of new things I learned was incredible. Highly recommended!

When you thought you knew some history?

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

Just excellent. A 3 star on the narrator because it is the author, a little dry, and not a professional reader but he is very good and who better to tell his own story. Your perspective will change with an increased appreciation for what people suffered and sacrificed and how terribly fragile our beginning actually was.

What did you like best about this story?

A detailed account of events we thought we knew.

What three words best describe David McCullough’s performance?

more than adequate

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

The personal moments of despair and frustration and how Washington overcame those.

Charles E.

A difficult time, beautifully written and spoken by the author. The well rounded picture of the critical circumstances surrounding the birth of our nation. A view from both sides of the Atlantic. A remedy for ignorance.

Enjoyed it.

I learned a few thing listening to this book, and enjoyed the story. I gave it 4 stars, but 3 and a half might be closer.

Bought My Own Copy

A good friend of mine got me into audiobooks many years ago. He let me borrow his copy of "1776", the birth of United States. Ever since then, I've been fascinated with David McCullough and have listened to all of his books. He can do no wrong when he writes about history. This is my second time at listening to this book and it's like getting a front row seat in class, especially when David McCullough narrating his book.

When Audible had "1776" on sale, I had to buy it to have it in my library. If my friend didn't lend me his copy of the audiobook, I would had ever had discover the best historian of all times. David McCullough is like a grandparent that you wish that you had because you can appreciate when they speak. The knowledge from this man is second to none.