1776 by David Willis McCullough (2005)

There are certain periods of history that never seem to become tired or dull regardless of how often they are written about. It seems that each new investigator finds some thing new to write about. The American Revolution is a case in point. A quick check of books in print will convince you.

David McCullough's 1776 is a terrific investigation into the beginning of the American Revolution. Is it perfect? NO. It does have some missing pieces. But these minor defects are just that...minor. If you look at the complete work, I think you'll find that what 1776 lacks is made up for by McCulloughs ability to deliver the main facts on time and in a way the reader can grasp.

As in John Adams, McCullough again finds the ability to make the main characters jump off the page. Washington, a figure that history has rightfully made larger than life is once again a human man, tortured with doubts and always mindful that disaster is just around the corner. I especially like the treatment that McCullough give King George III.

As a reader, I always like reading a book that moves along. McCullough's narrative does that quite well. In fact, some of the flaws that other reviewers have rightfully pointed out seem to spring from this style of writing.

Well researched and paced for the non-historian, 1776 is a winner. When all is said and done, you'll find that 1776 is worth the time you'll spend reading it.

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I have enjoyed this book so far; am only on page 31. Someone suggested that I read the 'Shaara (historical fiction) books before this, so I did. This gave me a great understanding of it all. But this book has touched on new things already...facts; and things like the sickness -- the characteristic of typhoid fever(very informative), the food they ate, the drinking, about the guns. It is very interesting. But,for me, it was also good to have the background.

It's a great book detailing the events that take place at the birth of the United States. Very interesting and very informative book writen by David Willis McCullough. As the title indicates, this book covers one year, albeit a critical year, in the conflict between the world's greatest power at the time, Great Britain, and the freedom-seeking colonies that would ultimately succeed England and become the United Staes of America. The book starts out in October of 1775 10 prior to the Colonies declaration of freedom form Great Britian grasp. Every American knows what occurred on July 4, 1776, the midpoint of McCullough's magnificent chronology. 1776,is written as an on-the-scene style, news report, it chronicles the events that lead up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the events immediately following the Philadelphia signing. McCullough put you there as if the event were unfolding in yu living room on the nightly news. Fast pace and rivoting buy this book.

This book was recommended to me by my brother. I'm glad I did take the time to read it. I have done very little reading on the American Revolution and I found it very informative. I found it to be easy to read and understand. I would recommend this to anyone who has a limited to moderate amount of knowledge about the Revolutionary War.

I am very much interested in American History,as well as the future. Studing the past helps me understand how this Great nation was framed.1776 was one of the most crucial periods of time this nation has ever gone through. This book ( 1776 ) by David McCullough gives great detail of this era. I found No dislikes at all. The seller was prompt in delivery and the cost very reasonable

This is an excellent book about the struggles of the U.S. during this time period. It is very intersting and easy to understand. I bought it for a book report and I'm glad I chose it.

This book is a must read for American History buffs. Anyone who has the least bit of interest in the American Revolution would love this highly readable account of the trials and misfortunes of the year of this great nation's birth. It certianly sheds light on American Revolution that most people are never exposed to. Not only do readers see the American side of the revolution, but are also able to see inside the British lines of the war. This book is very easy to read, and it is very easy to follow. Overall this is a very good book.

Like many people, the history taught in school was boring to me. I don't dislike the subject of history, but the dry textbook facts made even the most exciting events seem uninteresting. I knew there had to be a better way of relating the events of the past. David McCullough is truly a gifted historian and writer who is able to make the past come alive.

1776 was one of the greatest books I've ever read, fiction or non-fiction. The delightful narrative style tells the story in a way that is interesting and fun to read. The book is not only rich in details of events that you would find in traditional textbooks, but it is also rich in details of the people's personalities and characteristics. For so many years I have only been able to visualize the American Founding Fathers as figures in portraits I have seen, straight laced, serious, and without enthusiasm. McCullough's account of them brought them to life and revealed how passionate and courageous they all were.

This book is ideal for anyone who wants to know what it was like during the most crucial time in American history. You will soon get sucked into the book and sent back in time to witness the vivid and colorful events that began this great nation.

Wow, what a great book. David McCullough has masterfully captured the events and people of 1776. The story is detailed and descriptive enough to draw the reader into the moment without ever giving the reader the feeling of reading a history book.

This book is an enjoyable read and it gives a deeper understanding of what it was like to live through this historic year.

It was the most personal illustration of King George III that I had ever read and give an interesting insight into the British point of view and timing of events.

A must read. David McCullough has won the Pulitzer Prize for his books "Truman" and "John Adams". He continues to impress with 1776.

Bought book for husband, who says it is great. Arrived in good time and in good condition and was a great price.

In great shape and got here quickly. It came just as I expected it. The price and product were excellent. And it was a Christmas present for my husband, so not only was I pleased with everything, so was my husband!

I never received this book. I have sent email's but no one seems to have a record. I am very unhappy about this.

Chris

McCullough uses first-person accounts in such a way as to make history come alive; as each character's words fit into the chronology of events of the American revolution, one can only be amazed at the hardships and tenacity it took not only to fight this war but to continue to believe and have faith. At one point, I recall thinking "it's a good thing I know who won because this looks like a lost cause!".

McCulloch takes us into the hearts and minds of our forebearers and provides much more insight than any American History class ever did; it should be must reading for high schoolers.

Great reading and enjoyable. A must read for anyone interested in American history, Freedom comes with a price tag.......

Price was perfect, shipping very reasonable, book in mint condition, arrived promptly. Gold star for this seller.

I will confess to bias on this one, being decended from one of the great men in this book. However, the accuracy and straightforward telling of this tale has been long overdue, and The author does that perfectly. I was never bored or left feeling "dry", as with so many historical accounts. Mr McCullough has given me a new insight into the minds and souls of our forefathers. I say BRAVO! Well done! Can we hope for a series of sequals? perhaps all the through this war and to the constitution? I hope so!

I have recently developed a huge appetite for American history. This is a wonderful book. I ended up with 2 copies and decided that I should share one with someone.

It came in when the lady said that it would, so she's got my vote. Also since I haven't wrote enough words, I would like to express my love for coffee type drinks, I find that they are quite satisfying to the taste.

I bought this book because it was required reading for school.
It's pretty good for a history book.

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Write a Review This is a fine book adding to his others on Adams, and the Joeseph Ellis books, Ron Chernow and Isaccson books on thefounding fathers. M0st of the seige of Boston was new to me as was the perspective of the Brits on the whole affair. These writers and W.H. Brands and Gary Wills have made history come alive for me more than the hide bound "Historians" who cannot write.

Outstanding history of early phases of the war for US independence focused in Boston, New York and New Jersey. The narrative and creative use of primary sources reveal the mind and soul of General George Washington. This is a must read for every American seeking to understand the father of the country and the sacrifices made for our independence. McCullough is a grand master and in 1776 he delivers with an simple eloquence that creates a watermark! Perhaps he has a 1777 or a 1781 up his sleeve!

While it is not the type of fiction I usually read, it was a page-turner. The research was excellent, and I couldn't wait to get back to it when I'd finally have to stop reading it.

In my not-so humble opinion, David McCullough is the most amazing author alive today. His ability to research a subject, sifting through tens of thousands of pages of historical documents and written material is astounding. His genius is not only that he can collect all this information and mentally catalogue it, but that he has such an extraordinary way of gleaning the truly important, interesting or crucial elements for the story he intends to write. There is little, if any chaff. He then proceeds to weave this great body of information into a narrative so engrossing and interesting you can scarcely bring yourself to put it down. "1776" is no exception, and McCullough has upheld his most excellent tradition with the publication of this book. It is another amazing achievement, a peacock feather in his much-decorated cap. I have bought two of these books for Christmas gifts and can only hope that the recipients enjoy them as much as I believe they will.