1776

After hearing David McCullough for so long on narratives on TV, who cannot doubt that he has one of the best voices around. His voice reads first class material, self authored. 1776 chronicles the events on the North American continent of one of the most important years in the last millenium. It begins just after Lexington/Concord and carries through the significance of Trenton/Princeton.


Listening to it, I gathered a great sense about the particular acts, which severed the already fragile relationship of the English America with the mother country. The character of the two countries, still recognizable today, comes across in the story of the military and political contests of that year.

It is delightful and well worth the time listening.

1776 was the first Audible book I have ever purchased and it raises the bar upon which all other books will be compared. It's special to have the Pulitzer Prize author read his own book. Having grown up outside Boston, our history classes only covered the more famous events - Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere's ride, and Bunker Hill.

I never knew about George Washington's siege of Boston (and I lived there) that drove out the British or the horrendous conditions of the continental army. I was never taught about the importance of New York or the loss after loss of battles. McCullough covers the heroes, villians, and traitors in exquisite detail. Did you know that the first American traitor was the Continental Army Surgeon General or that wives, fighting next to their husbands, distinguished themselves in battle?

David McCullough's 1776 puts you right there - like a time machine. He masterfully tells a story and painstakingly reinforces its authenticity with letters from the people who were there. This is one of the finest historical novels I have ever "read" and I look forward to his John Adams books. There is little doubt that I will have to listen to it again... Now I know where the name Fort Knox came from.

Just spent the whole of my Sunday learning the American History from the declaration of independence right through to the abolition of slavery by President Lincoln(and of course the American Civil war)...and I am no American! This book, although focusing on the events leading to the declaration of independent, offers a lot of insight into the operations of the old British Empire and why America is what it is today.

The template of history can and should be applied today. A lesson perhaps, to our leaders.

The story is compelling (of course) and the author brings to life the period in perfect detail. There's lots of detail that anyone inclined to like history would enjoy. This is a great opportunity to appreciate what these men did and how important the fundamental values established by the founders. As I listened, I was amazed either how much history I forgot or was never taught.

As a new listener to audio books-I thorougly enjoyed listening to 1776.David McCullough is a wonderful storyteller and writer.Felt like I was there amidst the struggles,battles and the eventual amazing victory of winning Americas' Independence from England. I had not realized how much the odds were against us with Englands mighty military strength. I have gained a new respect for Washington and the others who went before us to fight for and win our freedom against great odds-a lesson for today.
Hard to stop listening when other duties arose-such as work! A must listen!

David McCullough brilliantly illuminates one year in the struggle of our nation's first army under the command of the man who, deservedly, became our first President. George Washington, (as well as the men who served under him), is revealed by McCullough to be a flawed human being who made plenty of mistakes, some of which could have cost this country its independence. Impatient and, at times, overcome with anger, he is also shown to have been wise and calculating, in his dealings with and estimation of, the British commanders he had to outwit, as well as some of the generals who advised him. The American Revolution should have been this colorfully rendered and detailed in the history texts used when I was in grade school. McCullough is a brilliant historian and writer who makes his subjects as real as if they were alive today. There were times where, in listening to this audiobook, I found myself wondering ahead how Washington and the increasingly dwindling, ragtag army that he commanded would ever be able to overcome the overwhelming odds against them. Of course, I knew they did eventually prevail in the struggle to win the Revolutionary War, but McCullough writes in such a way as to keep you guessing. He makes the subject accessible, alive, interesting and even thrilling, too.

I generally grab a book on tape for long driving trips
to make the time slide by...historical books rarely fit
the bill for long all night drives.

McCoullough's book and narration proved the exception, I
had a great time with the nearly 12 hours. He weaves 1st
hand accounts deftly into a compelling story of the
desperation of the 1st year of the revolutionary war.

I must confess an interest in history, but even those not
disposed to historical accounts will find his artful use
of the characters own words to paint rich character portraits
enjoyable. He has a keen eye for understated humor which
I found particularly enjoyable.

This is the first book I've read/listened to by Mr. McCullough, and now I understand what all of the fuss is about. He has a knack for drawing together the right details at just the right moments to bring the story alive, and help you to understand its importance to the people who lived it and the ramifications that it has for today. Five stars for the story.

Mr. McCullough is a fine narrator, though there are others who narrate audiobooks for a living who probably would have done an even better job. 3.5 stars for the narration.

First, I have to say that the description of the crossing of the Delaware had me so excited that I was short of breath. I had the painting on the subject firmly in my mind and was thrilled to be hearing the retelling.

As the book contains excellent lessons in strength in leadership, I was enthralled as it wound its way through the evolution of General Washington and his counsel. And it shows the great importance of surrounding yourself with great people but making strong and final decisions.

And I came away from the book incredibly proud to be an American. The sacrifices and hardships described in this book give me great reason to stand with my head high.

I'll finish by summarizing my thoughts in two words: "Get it!"

great narrative. It succeeds in placing you in the perspective of one viewing the events without the benifit of the knowledge of the outcome. And by exuming this sliver of time one understands that it was our finest hour, our 1939 when we stood for the most part alone against the superpower of the world, till all relized how serious and devoted we were to this newly born cause of freedom.