1776

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: David McCullough

In this stirring audiobook, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence, when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper.

Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats, who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known. But it is the American commander-in-chief who stands foremost: Washington, who had never before led an army in battle.

The darkest hours of that tumultuous year were as dark as any Americans have known. Especially in our own tumultuous time, 1776 is powerful testimony to how much is owed to a rare few in that brave founding epoch, and what a miracle it was that things turned out as they did.

Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough's 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history.

©2005 David McCullough (P)2005 Simon and Schuster Inc. AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon and Schuster Audio Division, Simon and Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Narration by the Author
• 2005 Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award, Nonfiction

"A first-rate historical account." (Booklist)

"A narrative tour de force, exhibiting all the hallmarks the author is known for: fascinating subject matter, expert research, and detailed, graceful prose.... Simply put, this is history writing at its best from one of its top practitioners." (Publishers Weekly)

"A stirring and timely work, reminding us that it's soldiers rather than 'tavern patriots and windy politicians' who have always paid the price of American idealism and determined its successes. (The New York Times)

History for Non-Historians

I was a little bit wary of listening to a history book on a recent road trip, but the reviews for 1776 were so good on Audible I thought I'd give it a go. It was worth every minute of the listening, and my 16 and 18 year-old boys were just as drawn into it as I was. I immediately shed my suspicions about any audiobook that is "read by the author" after only a few minutes of McCullough's narration. Not a lot of variation, but clear, warm and intimate. But it was his "story" that kept me listening. History is the recollection of people, events and ideas that shape nations and cultures, but too often historians reduce the telling of history to a recitation of facts and details. Not this historian. For McCullough, details are the servants of the real stories of Washington, Howe, Clinton and all the others whose lives intersected in the events of 1776 to promote an idea that would literally change the world for centuries to come. I was drawn in and drawn along in the drama of the American fight for independence, constantly reminding myself that, yes, we did win, when it seemed impossible that we ever could have. I have studied American history, but I was confronted in this book with just how remarkable the revolution really was, and how unlikely its promise of success. This book gave me new respect for the founders of our great country, and strengthened my resolve to never take my freedom lightly or forget the sacrifices that secured it. When we're all together for another road trip, this time with my wife and daughters, we'll listen again. It's worth the trip, and the time.

Excellent research

Really impressed with the depth of research that went in to this novel. Author reading was excellent in his diction and batrayal of events as they occured. Historical detail brought this audiobook alive...really astounding.

Tedious

An amazing time in American history, written by a great historian, who should never have been allowed to be the narrator. The most boring, dull, flat narration possible and ruined what should have been a fascinating tale

Outstanding!

Listening to Mr. McCullough read 1776 brings the story of the Revolution to life. Are we SURE that he was not there to see it happen?

Great book after reading Hamilton

Another excellent book looking at the beginning of the USA. It left me wanting to read about 1777 and beyond. If you enjoyed his book on Alexander Hamilton, then you will enjoy this book also.

Outstanding

A great treat to listen t!o - when will we get 1777?

A must have!

David McCullough is one of my favorite authors. The opportunity to listen to him narrate his own work in his distinctive voice should not be missed. Please do yourself a favor and get this audio book.

1776

McCullough's research and narration, makes for a riveting and powerfully personal look at the events of 1776. I highly recommend this piece of American history.

Excellent

Great book, a very different image of Washington than that precieved by many of this generation.

I wish I could give this more stars!

David McCullough is one of my favorite authors. I have listened to Truman, The Panama Canal, The Wright Brothers and enjoy them immensely but....this is the best. David puts you in George Washington's shoes and gives you an awesome understanding of the man. The books starts out with the Battle of Boston and holds nothing back. I've listened to this many, many times. When you feel like you've had a bad day try George's bad days!!!!