1776 by David Willis McCullough (2005, Hardcover)

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.

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.

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.

After reading "John Adams" and "1776", it is easy to see why McCullough is our most respected nonfiction author, and he has never been implicated with plagiarism accusations (unlike Goodwin and Ambrose). 1776 is wonderfully written, and McCullough does a fantastic job illustrating the difficulties faced by the Continental Army during the first year of the Revolutionary War, and how perilously close America came to losing the war. A change of wind here, a different decision by British commanders there, and the entire outcome of the war might have changed. Also, McCullough shows the reluctance of Washington to command the army, and the expert maneuvering of the army by Washington so as to only confront the vastly superior numbers of British troops when absolutely necessary. I read Shaara's two book historical fiction set on the Revolutionary War, and McCullough's volume is far superior.

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

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.

This is a great book! this was the first of McCullough's works that i've read and i really enjoyed how he worked in excerpts from the letters of officers and troops on both sides of the issue as well as those of Americans and the English observing the war. I recomend this to any history buff or anyone who would like to learn about the American Revolution who would prefer not to read a textbook.

the only setback is the book leaves you hanging a bit, as it only covers the year 1776, you do not get to read about the end of the revolution.

other than that, i highly recomend this book!

If you are an American history buff this book is for you. McCullough describes in well researched detail the trials and tribulations that the rag tag army the colonies assembled was forced to endure.
It highlights the worries General Washington faced and the fortitude he used to win America's battle for freedom.
This account is an excellent history of the most important year in our history.

That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.That's a good book.

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

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ProductCreateReview&VcsId=1388&ProductRefId=43110229&ssPageName=ADME:B:AVWR:US:5
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.

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.

Being somewhat of a history buff, I always try to invision the research that went into the author's story. David McCullough always goes the extra mile and then his words let you understand complicated events. I found the book compelling and felt even more fortunate that fate was on our side during this most trying of times. If you want a true picture of where we came from as a country, you will find this book hard to put down. It starts off a little slow, but after about 20 pages you will have a hard time putting it down. Turn off the TV and turn on this book!

He went into great detail while remaining readable. He left a few things out I've read in other books on the period, but had more stories to tell than any other. I bought it because I'd listened to the tape in the car and knew that this was a book to keep. Read 5 books on this period, and see that this one is in the top group. Owen Fleming 2006

I enjoyed his book "John Adams" and wanted to read "1776", which I'm also enjoying. I'd recommend his books to anyone who likes American history.

Excellent shape. No complaints. Recommended seller. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Excellent writing and research. We saw McCullough's John Adams series which prompted me to buy this history book. The copy itself is signed, in perfect condition and my husband loves it!

This was an awesome book! I was especially excited about the great deal I found on half.com. I got everything in great time and in great condition!

The description that was written by the seller for this specific product was very good and in the end, I ended up getting exactly what i wanted. I have no complaints and if necessary, I will be happy to do business with them again.

I loved the primary sources he used. He also did a great job of including strategic history along with individual personal histories of the members involved in the Revolution.

The only thing I regret his that he hasn't written books on the remainder of the Revolution. I would love to read 1778, etc. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the American Revolution.

I bought the book after reading many reviews and comments in variety of places. Tho I've not finished it, I'm very satisfied with it so. The service by the seller was excellent, prompt and with follow ups.