1776 by David McCullough
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Book Reviews of 1776
Book Review: An Outstanding Work
Summary: 5 Stars
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 FoundersBook Review: Great Storyteller
Summary: 5 Stars
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.Book Review: Fantastic
Summary: 5 Stars
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.Book Review: Popular History That Reads Like Suspense
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Want more literate blather? Well, go, sir or madam, to the Dark Party Review.
Book Review: Good read but a little too ahgiographic.
Summary: 3 Stars
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.