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David McCullough is known as a sterling storyteller of American history with two Pulitizer Prizes for Biography ("John Adams" 2001 and "Truman" 1992) and a National Book Award ("Mornings on Horseback" 1981). What many readers may not realize is that he is a researcher par excellence as evidence by the ten years he spent reading original documents, interviewing and travelling to relevant sites for "Truman." Now he utilizes some of his previous background research for "John Adams" to tell the tale of the crucial year of the American Revolution. "1776." Most Americans are familiar with the Christmas Eve crossing of the Delaware River to win the Battle of Trenton and to close out 1776. Mr. McCullough describes the more unfamiliar stories of the American siege of Boston in driving out the British army and the British victory in driving the Revoluntionary army from New York City. His real strength is as an editor, in choosing which historical stories to include and to exclude, for his 284 page narrative (with 100 additional pages of supporting documentation) could easily have been thrice its current length. In fact, David Hackett Fischer's "Washington Crossing" (2004) and William Dwyer's "The Day Is Ours" (1983) are both over 400+ pages in reciting only the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. The reader should be aware that "1776" is merely an introduction to that year, for the actions of the other Founding Fathers (and Mothers) are barely mentioned. "1776" is fun to read as the 229th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches. Mr. McCullough makes clear how close the American Revolution came to failing that year. British overconfidence and Washington's determination (for his battlefield experince as a military commander was nil) were the difference. The reader is directed to "Patriots" (1988) by A.J. Langguth for the best overall view of the American Revolution (1761-1783).Read full review
This audio book, 1776, read by the author David McCullough should be listened to or read by every one of us. How astonishingly lucky we were to have ever won a war against (what was at that time) the greatest power in the world. And how amazing a leader and a man for his time George Washington was. We all know "father of our country" but do we really understand what that entailed? A person with Washington's integrity is something we absolutely need in today's world. I'm not putting down any of our present leaders but George Washington was not only a superb military strategist, he had a warmth for his men coupled with an abiding love for his country. McCollough quotes through out the book letters from George to his generals and also letters from common fighting men to their families. Also he quotes letters from the British generals to each other and to their families abroad. All these points are brought home to me by McCullough's reading of the events of that year. I really hadn't realized how much the men suffered through that horrible winter. They had no food and many times no coats or even shoes. Before one of the battles, two soldiers froze to death and amazingly they were the only two fatalities of that battle. The crossing of the Delaware was always something I knew happened (yes that famous picture) but now I know how hard a feat it actually was to accomplish and how the farmers, bankers, shop owners, clerks and others (including black men) suffered and died during that year. The book also visits how the British thought the war would end in a few months one officer writing home "I'll be back by Christmas" and how King George felt the colonists were petulant children to his fatherly care. After a time though, many of the British officers realized the strength and tenacity of the men who they were fighting against. In actuality, the revoluntary war ended 4 long years after 1776. I must say I was impressed with this book and the reading and I think you will enjoy it as well.Read full review
I started reading this book, but didn't have enough time to finish it. This CD set helped to finish the book. David McCullough's voice is very enticing to listen to and it provided the emotion that reading a book doesn't have. The only con was that 2 of the CD's skipped just slightly towards their end. The others were great. I would buy this again if needed and also buy others by the same author.
Very pleased. The discs look like they have never been used. Excellent sound quality.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Perfect.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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