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.more
Honestly this was a struggle to read, but I am glad I took the time. This book paints a world view that is so insanely different that what we are used to or imagine. I appreciate the attention to detail taken and how it made the story of the Revolutionary war real.
McCullough is always good.
I love this book because it gave you the inside look at the live of the revotionary solders.
David McCullough is a master researcher and writer. This book is an amazingly informative read. Highly recommended
Educational and easy to read
David McCullough is arguably the best writer of narrative history alive today, following in the footsteps of greats like Prescott, Parkman and Motley. This cracking account of the first year of the American War of Independence reads almost like a thriller. A superb read!
Very well researched and very well written. Held my interest solidly from the first to the last page.
Must read
Thoroughly enjoyed this historical account of a critical year in what was to become the United States of America.
Anything by David McCullough is worth reading. All are well written and read less like a history book than an interesting novel. McCullough is a master at story telling.
David McCullough has done his usual excellent job with this detailed overview of a critical year in the history of our country. Anything he writes is worth reading and this book is no exception.
A terrific author and a compelling story a must read for historians
Reads like a novel told in McCullough’s distinctive voice.
Well written historical writing based on actual letters and documents. It conveys the history of Lincoln and the individuals he appointed to his cabinet. Each character is portrayed from their home life growing up, leading to their political life. Very well done!
Very informative read for history buffs.
Re-living our country’s history with a different perspective.
The author captures General Washington during his formative & perhaps most significant year of the war. Washington is trying to lead & inspire groups of militia & mold them into an effective army as it faces the best trained professional army in the world.
This was the first books I read by David McCullough’s. He has the skill of taking a historical topic and putting it across to his audience as if it was a really good fictional story. It flows like a novel , yet when you are finished you realized you learn a lot by the end That is what makes a great author of history My favorite books of his …
Outstanding
The American Revolutionary War. One of the best historical accounts of the year 1776 in American history that I’ve read. Focuses primarily on military aspects of the Revolution rather than political. A must read for any American history buff.