It's stupendously written about the dawn of a new country drenched in blood. Voracious battle scenes brought the year "1776" into my living room. This is a flawless historic exploit traveling through the eve and first years of the revolution. Wonderfully collected letters from common soldiers and key military/political players empowers "1776" with a deep felt honesty. Authenticity is maintained while still managing to not let the leviathan of information required for this book dull its delivery. McCullough is a master of his craft and his high review ratings prove this.

Should be required reading at every high school!

I was reading "Team of Rivals" about Lincoln and it was good -- but smothered with details and slow going. This was "the right price" at Costco and I picked it up as something to read on alternate nights along with "Team of Rivals."

BIG MISTAKE, though a very, very good mistake. By 15-20 pages I was sucked into this interesting way of looking at 1776, with de-emphasis on the events in Philadelphia, and emphasis on Washington. The Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence seem to always get the attention when 1776 is mentioned, and I found McCullough's approach to be very fascinating.

OK, so much for "Team of Rivals." It sat unread while I found an excuse to go to bed early every night until I finally finished 1776 last night. So, tonight I guess I go back to Lincoln and Co.

Be wary. If you buy this book and take with you as some to read "now and then" on vacation, you can say "adios" to your vacation! The book will grip you (and your family will be yelling at you) because you will NOT want to put this book down! I usually ended up staying awake an extra hour or so every night this week to read "just a bit more," and my work at the office suffered. No big deal, as I'm the boss.

This book was so good I almost wished McCullough had done one book like this for each year until the war ended! I'd have loved "1777" and "1778" and "1779" - and so on.

So many histories give details from "official documents" and quote prior texts, biographies, histories, or autobiographies. I enjoyed how "the common solder" was quoted as much as the "high and mighty" in this book, and how McCullough presented Geo. Washington as a human with self-doubts and insecurities which he kept masked, for the most part. Here, he is human, not the Founder of Our Nation found on the dollar bill.

I haven't picked up a book and just been stuck on it in a long time. I enjoyed this tremendously and hated to come to the final page. It's a great book about a truly pivotal year in America's history!

David McCullough's fine history of the Continental Army during opening the moves of the American Revolution, "1776", educates and entertains the reader in the way only McCullough can. McCullough's considerable powers are brought to bear as he examines the crucial year in America's quest for independence. George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, Henry Knox, Charles Lee and other American patriots are shown not as the titans of the age that history has since recorded them, but rather as flawed characters filled with doubt in their abilities to live up to their cause. British leaders also are considered fairly by the author, particularly George III and William Howe. Both are given more credit than typical American historians usually show.

Washington's retreat from Long Island and his withdraw across the river is written in a tense tone that reads almost as a novel. Howe's 'Halt' order is considered, making the reader draw comparisons to the British Army over one hundred years later at Dunkirk when Hitler gave a similar disastrous order. Washington's crossing of the Delaware on Christmas Day is also offered as the daring, risky maneuver that it was, with no guarantee of victory.

This is a fine companion to McCullough's earlier work, "John Adams", and the two should be considered together. Perhaps the greatest drawback to this work is its relatively short length. Where "John Adams" was over 600 pages and his "Truman" was nearly 1000, the not-quite 300 page "1776" seems a little skimpy. Still, for what is there, this is a great book that should be read by every American.

1776 is a narrative of the Continental Army from the siege of Boston to the victories of Trenton and Princeton. The emphasis is on Washington and his decisions. Like all of McCullough's books, it is written very well. McCullough's graceful but unobtrusive prose, eye for telling anecdote, and nice balance of narrative and selected quotes from primary sources, make this book a pleasure to read. McCullough admires Washington greatly but this is no hagiography; Washington's errors and inexperience are discussed insightfully. McCullough shows very well some of the important themes of the early Revolution. Two in particular stand out; the improvised and amateur nature of the Continental Army and the role of good forture in avoiding disaster. McCullough is also very good on the importance of some of Washington's lesser known subordinates, such as Nathanael Greene and Henry Knox. A nice touch is a useful bibliography.

While this is an excellent narrative, this book lacks context and analysis. Why, for example, did a privileged leader like Washington and humble figures like most of his soldiers become revolutionaries? Even when considered as a piece of military history, 1776 is focused somewhat narrowly. There is little on the British experience of the war. McCullough correctly makes much of the handicaps faced by Washington and his officers but it should be remembered that the British were operating at the end of a supply line stretching across the Atlantic. Some discussion/analysis of logistics for both sides would have been illuminating. McCullough's narrative is an implicit rejection of the common perception that the Continental Army defeated the British with unconventional tactics. This is very much a story of typical 18th century warfare with siege, manuever, and set piece battles. Why not provide some context on 18th century war? The maps in this edition are inadequate.

This is a worthwhile and relatively easy read but for more meaty narrative and analysis, read some of the books McCullough mentions in his bibliography.

This book takes a long look at what happened in the year 1776 for the American revolution. This book is written is a narrative style with quotes and diary entires mix seamlessly throughout. If you liked the "Battle Cry of Freedom" you will like this book. This book goes into good detail into a lot of the major players and soldiers in the revolution from the American side and the British side. One gets a good feel of the characters of these major players in the war. For one I got the feeling that Washington reminded me a lot of the Frasier character in the show Frasier.

Even though 1776 was the year that America declared its independence, the book showed that it was not a sure thing that America was going to exists through the end of the year. The book showed that the battles in 1776 were largely won by the British. Even by the end of the book I still could not imagine that America could win it independence from the British. By the end of the book I was looking forward to reading the other years of the Revolutionary War.

This is an outstanding work of history. Among the book's sterling qualities is McCullough's clear demonstration that key turning points in the nation's history depended on outstanding individuals and the decisions they made, and their ability to learn from mistakes. After reading this book, it puts the lie to that old saw about merely showing up being ninety percent of success. Not so; not in perilous times when so much was at stake; success depended on staunch attachment to goals, making the best of a bad situation, and a good dose of luck.

McCullough adds a personal layer to the story, reflecting the thoughts and feelings of those involved. The book reads like a novel, or better than a novel, pulling the reader along with hints of what is to come. Everyone knows the ultimate outcome of the story, perhaps, but few know (before reading it) the torments and triumphs of those involved. This book is excellent.

David McCullough does it again! Gives new light to old history in a most personal way. It's almost like you are there with the founding fathers in 1776!

This may be one of the best books I've ever read! Using expert research and letters of those who were there McCullough weaves an amazing story of the military engagement which took place during the year we declared our independence.

Not only is this an enthralling military history but an engaging story of human bravery and suffering. You not only get a great look into the minds of the American and British generals, but you witness the thoughts of the common soldier who fought in the important battles such as the Siege of Boston and the battles of Manhattan island.

This book also give a great insight into life in America during the late 18th Century. It explains how rag-tag and unprofessional the Continental Army could be at time, while at other times it could be fiercely brave. It also tells how the British felt about the Revolution and how many Americans (especially in New York) stayed loyal to the Crown.

This is a great history. I highly recommend this book and kind of wish McCullough would write 1777 (and 1778 for that matter)!

One of the best books I have ever read. An excellent and compelling account of the nearly tragic early years of the United States' bid for independence. McCullough focuses on the stereotyped and often cliched George Washington in a way that alternately humanizes him and makes makes him more remarkable than legend. I wish this was required reading for all high school students or at least those who teach history.

After this try Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer - an excellent follow up in the same subject with a little more detail.

I took on this book after having read "The First American Army." The book follows Washington's army in its defenses, offenses and strategies in the year 1776. Operations in New York and New Jerey were seen as pivotal at the time and the book explains why.

1776 is easy to read and comprehend and helps you in your year long journey with Washington and some of his troops. But, as "The First American Army left me wanting more, I found myself with the same feeling after reading this book.

A great book for those with a growing interest in the Revolution but it only provides a small picture of what was happening and an even smaller sense of why,

1776 is a work of staggering simplicity and monumental achievement. This text gives one the appropriate sense of grandeur and history that the year 1776 richly deserves. Yet at the same time it brings such sweeping history into minute detail and humanity, making the reader realize that these giants of history were fully human, and like us, at times amazingly inspired and sometimes flawed.
Mr. McCullough is not only a wonderful historian, but he is also a very gifted writer and the prose leaps off the page. The readers mind easily finds accessible the scenarios which are described in the text. McCullough's masterly and vivid style is no small feat.
Mr. McCullough has said that "history is about people. ..time and human nature." and 1776 captures the essence of all of those qualities. Holding the book together is a well rounded and honest portrayal of George Washington, and McCullough's ability to find little know nuggets of personal history flesh out even further this well known father of our nation.
After reading this text, one realizes that this first year of our nation was nothing short of a miracle. McCullough does something in this book that is difficult to do. He does justice to a miracle.
This should be on the bookshelf of any serious student of America. Not only for its historical record, but also because it gives the reader an even greater appreciation for the beacon of freedom in the world that is America!

This is another of David McCullough's excellent books. He makes history exciting, while retaining a high level of scholarship. As with all his books, this is a book written for a general audience, based mostly on secondary sources, as opposed to an academic history that tries to uncover new material. The book covers three important campaigns of the American Revolution: the siege and British evacuation of Boston, the British victories at Brooklyn and Manhattan, and finally the American victories at Trenton and Princeton. Even though I have read several books on this period of American history, I found many new facts of interest. For instance, other books state that Washington wanted to attack the British in Boston, but was convinced not to by his generals. McCullough points out that Washington was convinced not to attack, not once, but in four councils of war. I also did not know that the British were planning to leave Boston anyway and that the American emplacement of guns on Dorchester heights forced them to evacuate rather than them having done it of their own accord. This is important, since it turned what would have been a tactical redeployment into an American victory.

This book is a good antidote for those who think that Washington led his army from one victory to another. McCullough correctly shows that Washington was well meaning, but was clearly tactically over matched by the British professional soldiers that he faced. However, he was a man of great courage, integrity, perseverance, with an ability to learn from his mistakes, and in the end these aspects of his character proved more important than his lack of military experience.

In my opinion there are some deficiencies that prevented me from giving this book 5 stars. First, and most importantly, is a lack of good maps. The book provides reproductions of period maps, which may be pretty, but are not as helpful as modern maps drawn specifically to help explain the campaigns that are being discussed. Furthermore, the maps are spread over two pages and critical areas are in the fold between the pages and are therefore not readily visible. The New York/Brooklyn maps do not even cover the area of Harlem Heights where the last phase of this campaign was fought. The second deficiency is a lack of any background material describing why the war was being fought, or anything about the preceding battles of Lexington/Concord and Bunker/Breeds hill, and why the British were besieged in Boston. Thirty pages, either at the beginning of the book or in an appendix, would have greatly improved the book for the intended general audience.

This book is a quick read, and in spite of the aforementioned deficiencies, I recommend it to those wanting to know more about the opening phases of the Revolutionary War.

David McCullough is at his best in 1776. His narrative is extremely skilled, precise, and eloquent. He is not only a great historian, he is a master of the literary arts. He is able to bring to life a most critical time in American history with compelling narrative befitting the greatest literary masters. This book reads like a grand and epic novel! This should be required reading for every high school student in America!

McCullough writes another great history of America and its difficult first year in the Revolutionary War. It is difficult for me to get interested in reading about history, but McCullough sparks my interests with this book. He doesn't depart from the use of references and depictions from people that serve no real purpose in the story except that they wrote a journal entry on the historical moment, but he knows the limits and doesn't stray too much from the actual story. I think that is key to keeping the reader interested. Don't stray from the story too much to make a point. By limiting this book to the first year of the Revolutionary War, McCullough has also allowed himself the ability to keep the flow of time connected. Instead of having to cover the whole war by jumping from major battle to major battle, 1776 has a flow that connects actions together. I still feel like I am missing a lot of the war though. I would love to see him continue as a series, year by year, through the war. I also found that I had trouble spatially keeping track of where things were happing. There were maps included in the book but I had problems finding any of the events on them. I wonder if the illustrated edition would have helped me out.

I was somewhat skeptical when I started the book: How can you
possibly tell a complete story by writing about a single year
in this formative period in world history? Yet, McCullough pulls
it off in splendid manner. The book is filled with great characters,
stories of near disasters, and spectacular successes. McCullough
is not afraid to assign credit and blame where it is due, regardless
of side. In particular, the book is not a hagiography of George
Washington, and one appreciates the man the better for it.

In short, a history book that rivals many a fiction book in terms
of narative. And if, like me, you don't remember your history all
that well, you may actually find yourself reading through the night
to find out what happens next.

What can you say about David McCullough,...A true historian
and author which shows the passion he has in American history in
all his work. I look forward to his other books and hopefully other
great mini series as that of "John Adams"...

It's like reading a docu-drama! Wonderfully written! Info that you don't often read in text books. Lots of quotes! Reads a little like a novel! LOVED IT!

In October, 1775, King George III in England rode to Westminster, to state his need to crush the American English, called "Riotous rebels" by Lord North in Parliament. And so it started! This stirring book covers our struggle starting decades before Boston and 1776 ended with Washington surprising the Hessian`s at Trenton New Jersey. The Americans hadn't won in 1776, but they hadn't lost. They had survived by tactical retreats and outstanding leadership in the field and in Congress. America was a very large battlefield with few muddy roads and angry inhabitants. A really great book, that adds several centuries to your intellectual age. A book that is hard to set aside, until finished. For you history buffs, detailed source notes, bibliographies, and index. jcangus-1782.com

I am not a big fan of history, particularly about battles and wars, but this book made it all easy and interesting, I am grateful to the author for his skills and his extensive research. The sacrifices of the soldiers under the amazing leadership of General Washington should make all of us humble, and remind us of the prices of maintaining liberty that we often forget and take for granted. Very important piece of American history, and also enjoyable.

If you are looking for a complete history of revolutionary war full of names and dates, then this book is not for you. On the other hand, if you are serious about history and ever asked yourself "how did they pull it off?!", then you'll enjoy this narrative very much. The book starts off a little dry, but towards the middle you start seeing the point author is making. All in all, the book is a great read.
Being a New Yorker and walking past 1 Broadway, Trinity Church, Federal Hall and many other historical places every single day, made reading this book especially interesting.
Highly recommend it to anyone serious about history.

For someone just getting acquainted with the Revolutionary War, at least the nuts and bolts of it, this book has been and is the perfect introduction. It is a wonderful,practically daily log of the patriot struggle.1776 was full of spirit, yes, but also full of blunder and struggle.It seems that old George Washington was just getting his feet wet in true battle with a more sophisticated and better supplied army and navy.As you read you realize, as he did, that the battle needed to be taken to the wooded landscapes America afforded. Battles at waters edge with British sea power could not be won.Thus the only choice,the retreat inland. Losing Long Island, then Manhattan as well as the New Jersey coast along with the Hudsen River was non-negotiable.Not with hundreds of British warships banging away.It shows how Washington learned from his mistakes but at the same time was also begining to be looked at as perhaps not quite the man for the job but knew that a win now and again would keep the flame of the cause alive just long enough to fight another day.I can't say enough about this book. I could go on for pages but I won't.Just hear this,if you are American,consider yourself a patriot or are looking for the spark of your nations past, a history buff looking to gain insight into the very beginings of the Revolutionary War or just someone looking for a good book to read, want a glimpse of Washingtons not so glorious start or just the meaning behind what is called,"The Spirit of 76", then this book is your bedrock for further study.The bibliography alone will give you all you need to become the scholar you always wanted to be.McCullough is brilliant.To knock this book would be just wrong.There are lessons to be learned here for our current generals in our current situations.They have alot to learn from the past but don't seem to be doing just that.Simply, a must read.For Washingtonians like me this was a good diversion from the study of the man and included a look at one wacky year from his life.How he did it,dealing with the fatigue, the problems and anxieties that plagued him daily as well as trying to run Mount Vernon from the battlefield and defeat the British, save America,win battles,keep his dignity etc all help me in my daily battles which pale in comparison.That is why I can only admire him despite his faults.He could have put a musket ball through his brain but didn't.He stuck it out and survived.This book will enlighten you to just how he managed to do it.

"History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are." ~David McCullough

I am sure at one time I was taught about the Revolutionary War; however, my memory is so terrible that I remember very little about it. This book focuses on what happened in the year 1776. The signing of the Declaration of Independence is a footnote in this book; this book focuses on General Washington and the military events that shaped the war that year.

The book has three major sections: the siege of Boston, the fortification and loss of New York, and the long retreat and American victories in Trenton and Princeton. Some of the things I found interesting about the book include the following:

- I found the British perspective of the war very interesting. They had spent a lot of time and money on this colony. There were British who wanted to squash the American rebels and there were others that understood the magnitude and difficulty of it. I really enjoyed this prophetic quote before the war from John Wilkes, Lord Mayor of London, "We are fighting for the subjection, the unconditional submission of a country infinitely more extended than our own, of which every day increases the wealth, the natural strength, the population. Should we not succeed...we shall be considered as their most implacable ememies, an eternal separation will follow, and the grandeur of the British empire pass away."
- The startling differences between the American forces and the British forces in training and health. The Americans were always sick and underclothed. Washington was always dealing with troops just up and leaving. The British were well trained and well led, while the Americans were a ragtag group of farmers fighting with very few trained leaders.
- I didn't realize that the British hired German Hessians to battle with them. They were known to be exceptionally cruel and merciless to the American rebels.
- I didn't realize the number of British loyalists there were during the Revolution. Many left for Canada after the war was over.
- The history of three of the American Generals (Washington, Nathaniel Greene, and Henry Knox). Everyone knows about Washington but I found it interesting in how he could be courageous and charismatic one minute and indecisive the next. The odds were against him and he knew it. I didn't know that he was one of the richest men in the country when he married Martha. It is interesting to read about the courage of Greene and Knox and the cities and forts that were named after them: Greensboro, NC; Greenville, TN; Greenville, SC; Knoxville, TN; Fort Knox (KY); and Fort Knox (ME). For some odd reason I find it interesting to understand how cities are named and who they are named after. I also found it interesting that Knox was remembered as a tyrant and that Col. Pynchon in Nathanial Hawthorne's House of the Seven Gables was based on him.

Overall, I found the book educational and enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend it for anyone that wants to have a better understanding of how we became the independent nation we are today.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fascinating subject matter, written in a very approachable style without being "dumbed down"

I have listening for this book on a CD for the last few weeks and learned not only about the history of the US, our nation, but about courage, dedication, and leadership. When at war, the winner is not always the one that is stronger or the entire population on side. It is not the one that win the first battle or the 2nd, has the proper ammunition and supply, but the one that believe in the cause and has the right leaders on their side. Few words about washington that was known to be the richest man in this side of the Atlantic, with 40000 Acres of land, 100 slaves and lots more. He had a lot to lose, yet, he volunteered more than seven years of his life.

Absolutely great book detailing the events surrounding late 1775 and 1776. David McCullough does an excellent job with the details and makes the history come to life.

This is also a great look into the life and times of early colonial Americans. Well written with tons of information.

I read David Hackett FIscher's 2004 `Washington's Crossing' on the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, and thus neglected McCullough's `1776' when it was published in 2005.

There's none I esteem more than McCullough (John Adams, Truman, The Path Between the Seas, The Great Bridge, etc). His only possible rival is David Hackett Fischer. And in this case, after recently reading `1776,' Hackett Fischer's `Washington's Crossing' remains superior.

That said, McCullough excels at setting the stage of disaster (unsuccessful rebel campaigns, Washington's indecision and near fatal mistakes, and contemporary correspondence - especially Joseph Reed).

`1776' is an able and accomplished work. It plumbs the depths of nascent rebels and Washington's trials (and scarce triumphs). If Hackett FIscher excels on Trenton and Princeton, McCullough serves a valuable course on the desperate state of rebel affairs. If you have the means, read them both and decide for yourself.

Was very pleased to receive my book well ahead of schedule and in perfect condition. Would surely use this vendor again.

This book on CD is read by its author David McCullough. David is a scholar on all of the letters that were written by soldiers, Washington, the British and others during this period. This is not focused on John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and what the Continental Congress were doing in 1776, but on Washington and his armies. The camp set up and troop conditions are told constantly. This is an eye opening account on how close the United States came to losing this war. What is most interesting about the book is George Washington himself. Here you have this great leader who is often indecisive, worried, and having his leadership called into question. Sometimes we forget that guys like Washington and other great leaders are like the rest of us in these areas. This is not an account of the entire war, but is just simply 1776. Well worth the money.

So many people believe they know the 'truth' about the American Revolution, and usually, except for a 'David and Goliath' attitude in proving the superiority of a small Patriot army against a huge (and, of course, evil) British army, most don't understand the war that literally changed the world. By taking one year -- the first real year of fighting -- McCullough shows what a remarkable conflict the American Revolutions was, and how it came close to failing before it even truly began. Using George Washington as the focus, McCullough takes the reader from Boston to Trenton, from a small, undisciplined army barely holding their own, to horrible defeat in New York, to a minor (but necessary) win in New Jersey. The author drives home the point that, despite the adulation Washington would receive at war's end (over six years after the close of the book), he was in very real danger of losing his command and the war. After a good start in Boston, by occupying the high ground and forcing the British out, Washington's indecisiveness in New York has terrible consequences -- even his trusted aide, Joseph Reed, criticizes him to rival General Charles Lee. By the end of the book, the trials and tribulations not just of Washington, but the Continental Army as a whole are painful to read. McCullough's main point -- at least in my reading -- was to show how truly remarkable the achievement of the Patriots was: despite no supplies, food, or even a consensus on strategy, the fact remains the 'Americans' did put up a good fight, and ended up doing something that, in 1776, seemed impossible...winning independence.

Before reading this book, it would be helpful, to fully understand the author's points, to have a background on the Revolution. Otherwise, the huge cast of characters and minor events might become confusing.

"It may be doubted whether so small a number of men ever employed so short a space of time with greater and most lastign effects upon the history of the world." (Sir George Otto Trevelyan)

With those words, the book is closed, and these do wrap the year 1776 up nicely, especially the closing battles in New Jersey (Trenton & Princeton),

Prior to that, David McCullough, as expected, does a masterful job of setting the scene for the most remarkable achievement in US military history other than D-Day.

This book was a page turner. Reading some of the one and two star reviews that called it "boring" shows how folks miss the point. Of course, those people also asked why Yorktown was scarcely mentioned -- in a book about the year 1776!

NO history book in your college classroom will more insightfully and fairly describe what truly occurred along the eastern seaboard centuries before any of us were born. McCullough's staff should be commended for obtaining such priceless and rare information/documents.

Though the quotations could oftentime interfere with a long passage, they also serve as a nice break, which is important in a lengthy book on a singular topic with many punctilious sections.

I could go on, but the 95% who gave this book four or five stars cover all bases. I recommend this book, especially to teachers who will be spending the next month droaning on about "black history" and rarely, if ever, teach proper and necessary American history -- and thus producing MORE children ignorant of essential matters.

David McCullough shows his great powers as a writer and historian by taking one of the most well traveled roads in American history, the year 1776, and bringing it to life with great vividness, depth and vivacity. McCullough knows how to structure a story, to reveal and then to conceal, to create, for a reader familiar with the general outline of a story, a compelling reason to read and return to his book. And here is the great strength of 1776: there is still the sense that the outcome of the American Revolution is very much up for grabs; that what we consider the foregone conclusion, that America will gain its independence, was never really true. 1776, what we judge as a great year in American history, was actually a year of extreme anxiety, uncertainty, of stumbles and mistakes, of accidents and disasters large and small. Only in retrospect would it become the grand starting point of our national existence.

I had been told by many people that this is a must read. I agree. It starts a little slow, but hang in there. It gets alot better! I recommend also buying the illustrated version. It has so much detail in the pictures and documents. It definitely compliments the original version.

Absolutely fantastic book that goes into great detail into the military mastermind of George Washington as he leads our inexperienced army in 1776. The book isn't a pro-America book and in fact shows an unbiased account that shows the strengths and weaknesses of the entire American army as well as the British army. The book reads like a novel really that is full of twists, turns and subplots. This is a book that every American or every person who wants to learn more about America. In one passage McCullough refers to the colonists in America as "never having it better" and "being the very definition of materialism." I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone!

I ordered the book 1776 over 6 weeks ago and never received it. My child needs this book for a class beginning in January and I fully do not expect her to have it.

After enjoying McCullough's exceptional biography of John Adams, I purchased several more books by him including this one. I liked it very much, finding it both informative and entertaining. Essentially, the book describes the early campaigns of George Washington and his army from the time he took command of the Continental Army during the Siege of Boston in July, 1775 to the battles of Trenton and Princeton. The latter of these actually occurred on January 3rd, 1777.

This brings me to my only criticism of the book -- it's title. I sense that it was chosen by the publisher to cash in on the magic associated with that year. As indicated above, McCullough covers significant military events in 1775 and 1777. I also object to the title because McCullough in no way tries to give a comprehensive account of the key events of the American Revolution in 1776 as one might expect; for instance, he only refers tangentially to the Declaration of Independence, focusing on how it's announcement affected Washington and his troops. I think a better title would more clearly indicate McCullough's focus on the early maturation of General Washington and his army in their first year and a half of battle.

But aside from the title, this is an excellent book that is a great supplement to a broader history of the entire American Revolution such as Robert Middlekauff's "The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789". Broad surveys such as Middlekauff's cannot dedicate as much space to individual battles as a more specialized book like "1776" can. Reading at least one such book is valuable since it makes you realize how much more there is to learn after reading a single history of any particular war. Even if you're not obsessed with military history, I recommend this book to gain perspective and some useful insights into the development of George Washington's military skills.

I've had a few of McCullough's books on my shelves for a long time. I've always been well-intent on reading most of his books. But this is actually the first of his books I've actually read. And it was quite an incredible book. This covers the events of the Revolutionary War during 1776, which despite the bold Declaration of Independence and its glorification in history was anything but a positive year for the American colonies.

1776 was a hard year, especially for George Washington, who struggled to keep his army from disintegrating from desertions and expiring enlistments, and suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British army. McCullough follows the Continental Army from the siege of Boston, through the invasion of New York, the retreat through New Jersey, and finishes with Washington's bold Christmas Eve attack across the Delaware River on the Hessians camped in Trenton.

This book is eye-opening to the reality of just how close Washington and his army came to losing the war. For any not inclined towards history books, keep in mind that McCullough is a storyteller, and one of the best there is.

As a non-historian with only grade school memories of Washington pitching a silver dollar over some river, McCullough straightened out my ideas. THe actors in this grade A drama are surprisingly human, make mistakes and are occasionaly inspired and there are new names in the cast. Read this interesting book and then compare past with present history and heroes. No mention of any football player in this book!

In 1776, David McCullough tells the story of the first year of the American Revolution by switching back and forth between the English and American perspectives. It provides brief, but vivid portrayals of the leading figures from both sides of the conflict.

The American troops are rightfully portrayed as a poorly trained, inexperienced lot who are struggling simply to survive the hardships of being away from home for months on end with little to no supplies. Much is made of Washington's constant struggle to keep the "ragtag" soldiers around, while fending off criticisms of his own, most notably his indecisiveness during key moments.

Few people realize how close the American Revolution was to failing, just as it was getting off the ground. The stories of the common men who helped fend off the British, and who bravely fought so that America could be free, are truly inspirational. McCullough tells the story of unsung hero Henry Knox, a 25 year-old New Englander, who, prior to the war was a bookshop owner. However, impressing Washington with his resourcefulness and brilliantly strategic mind, ascended to the role of Brigadier General, and commanded the cannons of the Continental Army, which were absolutely crucial to defeating the British and Hessian troops. The most important lessons one can take from the episodes laid out in this narrative are to never underestimate one's opponent, and that no matter how bleak the situation, Americans will rise to any challenge.

1776 is a truly excellent work, as it conveys how important that year was to the fledgling United States in its struggle for independence from Great Britain. The courage and wisdom of those who struggled for freedom comes fully to light in this book. For those readers who enjoyed 1776 (as did I), I would also highly recommend reading God of Our Fathers: Advice and Prayers of Our Nation's Founders

McCullough is a master storyteller. He tells this story with vivid detail and transports the reader into one of the most pivotal years of our nations history.

I thought that this book was fantastic. It goes into great detail about the year 1776, the problems with keeping the army together as well as the the battles. McCullough writes in such a unique and interesting way that it grabs and holds your attention. It is one of those books you just don't want to end.

How on Earth did the 13 Colonies ever win the Revolutionary War against the British Empire? It was a lopsided match-up from the start. Yet, somehow, the American rebels pulled it off. David McCullough's "1776" gives us a glimpse into the first full year of warfare - which may have been the bleakest for the new country. The Army was made up of misfits (mostly from New England) and the citizens were starkly divided (especially in that Tory stronghold of New York City). McCullough takes us from the Siege of Boston to the Battle of Trenton (the turning point for General Washington and his Continental Army). McCullough tells us the story from the perspective of Washington, his generals, his officers, and his soldiers (but there are parts from the British point of view as well). What we get is history as a suspense novel. The action is fast. The characters are larger than life. Although this is a story that most Americans have heard a thousand times (starting in elementary school), McCullough gives it a fresh coat of paint and oftentimes it's easy to forget that the action had already happened. That's the sign of a good historian and a powerful writer. It's amazing that the Colonies ended up winning the Revolutionary War. The British - by nearly every barometer - should have won. But they didn't. McCullough shows us why through the eyes of the determined Washington and his troops.

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I read this on holiday. I like reading about 18th century military history. I found this well written and engaging but too .. trite almost. The Hessians are described as mercenaries - this implies something immoral but they were hired by Britain from treaties with their home states as Britain had done for years. I see this book as a readable starting point for study of this part of the war. I think what is needed is a British account of the war that provides the kind of balance begun by Macksey.

David McCullough takes the reader back to the very first year of our Republic in 1776 which indeed is the seminal year of the existence of the United States.
Not only did America sever its relations with England, it went to war with that Nation. In essence this is a story of George Washington's struggles and it tells of the making of his leadership skills. It also tells of a man who learns from both his mistakes and the mistakes of mostly omission of the enemy.
McCullough's prose takes us from the early siege in Boston unto the battles in Brooklyn and New York City. The battles in New York were victories for the British. It is true that Washington lost in these battles, but in the long run he learned much of the enemy and their tendencies. It is true that England was the dominant military force in the World at this time. In reflection this meant little to Washington. Although the Continental Army was no more than a rag tag collection of volunteers who were poorly equipped and clothed to fight a sustained battle with a professional Army, they did indeed make life for the British elite a living nightmare.
The efforts of George Washington were indeed stuff made of legend and the stories of these epic struggles have been handed down in American lore. His surprise attack on Trenton on Christmas Day gave hope to a beleaguered Army. Washington's struggles show the character of a man who learned from the experience of his mistakes. Washington as outlined by McCullough was not a brilliant strategist nor was he an intellectual giant but he did possess common sense and the gift of timing to do the right thing at the right time.
As stated by my old friend at the New York Times Book Review, Michiko Kakutani, "A Nation is born, and You Are There".

The book is slow to read, i think that is the point. McCullough wanted the readers to slow down and take the time to read what was happening in 1776. His book is not written like others, where they show a progression of facts and interpretation. McCullough would rather show us the history, then tell us the history. He relies so much on letters of the actual people, then on sources of other historians.

So on that account alone, that makes the book slower to read.

It took me a few tries to read through it, at a few points i put the book down for awhile and then picked it back up, because his writing can be overwhelming. But the more I think on it, the more I think that is what he is trying to bring out.

He writes in a very sophisticated and intelligent way, which is very contrary to how many other writers write today. I am not saying that other writers are not sophisticated or intelligent, but McCullough presents a very polished sophistication and intelligence. Which is why he is one of the greatest historians of our time.

1776 really tells the story of George Washington, so much so that I thought he should have named the book "George Washington in 1776", I hope he does write a biography of George Washington, he would be the perfect author of such a book!

The way he writes the book and shows the feelings of the people involved at the time, he shows you the ups and downs of the people involved and how it played on the situations. We sit here and the revolution is a past event and to these people it is a present event, victory has not yet happen, he makes you root for Washington, as people either desert him, show their allegiance to him and yet while his men are in dire needs of supplies. We can not help but root for George Washington, knowing he will win and yet wondering how he will arrive there, with defeat after defeat.

I think he needs to write another book called "1777" so we can see how his defeats turn into victory.

To begin with, David McCullough is an America Treasure. After reading this novel it is easy to remember why McCullogh is a two time Pulitzer prize winner. This time out McCullough takes readers into the various battles led by General Washington in and around Boston and New York in the year 1776 as America's fight for independence from England wages on. Focusing on the rag tag group of soldiers that Washington had to command, as well as the suffering involved, McCullough once again weaves a masterful true story into a compelling read. That Washington persevered after setback after setback, was a testament to the stick-to-itiveness of our founding fathers. Thank goodness for their resolve. This is a great book to read notwithstanding the historical significance it provides. The bonus is that there is a lot here to learn about this pivotal time in the history of the united States.

Truly a 5 star read!

For an even more enjoyable experience, I recommend listening to the book as well. McCullough narrates the unabridged version and does an excellent job.

This book deals with the pivotal year - 1776 - in the American Revolution. While the revolution started before and American victory ended at Yorktown in 1781, this is the year in which the fate of the American Revolution hung in the balance. There was still hope in some quarters that the colonists could reconcile with Britain and King George III. But the events of this year, including disastrous losses after a surprise victory at Boston, almost doom the dreams of the colonists. An incredibly harsh winter contributed to the gloomy outlook for the Founding Fathers. The British expected a very short war but were surprised by the tenacity and zeal of the American militias. The best passages described and illuminated the character of George Washington. He publicly held aloft a torch of optimism while personal correspondence and intimate conversations conveyed his despondency and desperation. But he was the right man at the right time for this job. The most telling passage was Washington, up late at night before a battle, writing the code word for the night on slips of paper: "Victory or Death". This dedication gave us America and the world a Beacon for Freedom.

Michael Mandaville, Author - "Stealing Thunder"

I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to history from this time period, so from that perspective, I think this book was informative and engaging. I suggest you read it if you have even an inkling of interest in the time period, because once you get into it, McCullough will take care of getting you through it with his detail and suspense. My only two warnings: 1) it takes a few chapters to get into it, especially remembering all the characters, and 2) when you finish it you're thirsting for more information about the coming battles and years. Enjoy.

David McCullough's book is a very readable account of the military campaigns of that fateful year in American history. He describes rebel soldiers dressed in rags and British soldiers looking sharp and well-rested. British generals are seen as capable but arrogant, not even bothering to learn about General Washington or solicit intelligence about the rebel plans. The portraits of the commanding American generals; Washington, Green, Knox and Lee are also persuasive. In particular, McCullough does a real service to Washington making him come alive as a person; capable of errors of judgment and impulsive behavior but much more frequently a man of natural command, great heart and perseverance.

Unlike McCullough's massive biographies of Adams and Truman, this book is limited in scope. It doesn't deal with the Revolutionary war just the battles from the fateful year. It also doesn't deal with the political issues raging during 1776. McCullough mentions how King George had pushed the notion that the Americans were fighting for independence before that was accepted by the Americans and then mentions almost in passing the Declaration of Independence signed months later. What happened in those months to shift opinion from fighting within the British system for British rights towards fighting for a completely distinct set of rights as American citizens? This is outside the scope of the book. But for me, why choose 1776 as the year to track the military battles if it is not because of the significance of the break between the colonies and Britain? While there were stirring, important battles, I'm not convinced after reading the book that any of them marked a true turning point in the war. The Americans and British didn't sign a treaty until 1783, seven years later.

The other issue that gets raised in passing but never dealt with directly is that of the social context. One question I had was whether loyalists became British troop or whether the soldiers all came from Britain. Along those same lines, how did the colonialists breakdown in terms of their loyalties? Were New Englanders more devoted to the rebel cause? Virginia? Was it not a question of colonies but of status that determined one's loyalties? How did that aspect of the struggle play out? Both in terms of Boston and New York, McCullough mentions significant number of loyalists. In Boston many of them returned by ship with the British army. In New York, while the rebels were fortifying the town, many of the citizens were loyalists. So the British when they took it over, were surrounded by sympathizers. How did the civilian population so naturally torn by their sympathies to both sides, play into the military campaigns?

Finally, I was looking for a book that defined the year more broadly than just by its military actions but by the political and social events that transformed the American cause from one of a rebellion against onerous taxation to one of fighting for liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I think McCullough missed an opportunity by not delving deeper into the political and social currents of that fateful year that did so much to forge our American identity.