1776

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: David McCullough

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Incomplete

I used this to follow along with a book for a college class and there were MANY pages missing/skipped throughout the entire book.

Excellent

An excellent, well read, well written, account of an important point in world history. Conveys a real sense of the times and holds the listeners attention throughout.

American history

Very interesting, I re-read some parts to better understand

INTERESTING INFO ABOUT THE FOUNDING OF AMERICA

While dry in some places, 1776 was a very interesting book with new information about the men and women who fought and won freedom and liberty for America.

Well Written

The story of the book is written in a concise, informative, and detailed manner. The is some emotion in the manner/style of writing, but little in the voice of the narrators. Mr. McCullough is a better writer than a narrator.

Great Choice for a First Read

Would you consider the audio edition of 1776 to be better than the print version?

The abridged audio version of this book was so entertaining it made me want to read the harcover, a gift which had lain untouched on my shelf for several months.

Who was your favorite character and why?

David McCullough brings George Washington to life more than any other characterization I've ever encountered, even in straight biographical pieces.

Have you listened to any of David McCullough’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first David McCullough-narrated book, and along with Malcolm Gladwell, he is proof that sometimes the author is the best choice to read the material, even with so many excellent professional narrators/performers available.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The gripping description of the near-total disaster of the Battle of Long Island, a moment early in the war when the Revolution could have been crushed had Washington not successfully evacuated the army by water to Manhattan in an orderly retreat that many believed to be impossible.

Any additional comments?

Although I'd been listening to audiobooks for years through tape and CD, this was the first truly portable audio book experience as I shifted venues from car to home to commute via my iPod. And when I was done -- the title was there in archive when I needed it, without the box and tapes and discs to gather dust and take up space. It was a truly liberating experience and I'll always remember this book fondly for that reason.

Good book but?

This is a good book read very good the only thing I did not like was that there was a guy reading most of the time then all of sudden a girl reading I wish they would have just stuck with the guy or the girl not both.

History Alive

Great Book I always enjoy David's Books. He has the unique ability to bring history alive.

David McCullough's Narration of 1776

Would you listen to 1776 again? Why?

Yes, although, it is a review of much of what I've learned already, the crucial moments that could make or break a revolution are worth hearing again and again. General George Washington's history is surely providential.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1776?

Washington turning his horse around to speak to deserting and/or retiring soldiers who were not paid, many were shoeless, most filled with despair. His speech motivated their souls pointing out how their legacy will build a righteous nation upon the cornerstone of their brave, noble efforts. Braveheart must have been inspired by such belief in freedom and liberty as Washington eloquently professed that day.

What about David McCullough’s performance did you like?

Liked the narration by the author very much.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Washington's decision to move on Trenton when the British least expected it.

Any additional comments?

1776, in the colonies of the New World, David McCullough sets the stage for his expert, historical account of events that start in Boston, MA, and end in Trenton, NJ. The author is also the narrator of this audiobook edition making the experience authentic and intriguing. McCullough transports the reader back to the days of thick forests and severe weather, elements George Washington and his men persevere to make the eventual United States of America the most exceptional country in the world. This book really centers around George Washington and his ability to inspire men in the throes of defeat and despair.

Entertaining

This book was pleasent and entertaining. It offered a great deal of insight into the time and personalities. After listening to this book, I was left wanting more. The story, as its title would indicate, focus almost exclusively on 1776 and leaves the listener eager for the rest of the story.