1776 by David McCullough
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Book Reviews of 1776
Book Review: Amazing historical piece everyone should read
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book! I was so caught up in every element of the story. If I hadn't known that we had won our independence from Great Britain, I would never have imagined as I read this book that we could and did. It looked very bad for us until the last part of this book. A sheer delight! I didn't really care for American history growing up, although I was fascinated with European history. This book by David McCullough has changed my mind completely. Extremely well-written. The characters just come alive. I will be purchasing "John Adams" by McCullough next. Book Review: Balanced and Interesting Digestible History
Summary: 4 Stars
I was moved by the John Adams miniseries, and by my lack of knowledge about exactly what happened in the Revolutionary War after Concord and Lexington, to give this book a try. I found it to be an excellent book of its type. In particular, I admired what seemed to me a balanced presentation of the people and events. The author plainly holds George Washington in the highest esteem, but he shows his flaws and misjudgments as well as his triumphs with equal equanimity. One never feels that facts are being squeezed, highlighted or cajoled to fit a preconceived theme.
In addition, I found the depth of coverage just right for me. Not superficial, but not mindnumbing superflous detail either. The year 1776 is delivered as promised, and I learned a lot---relatively painlessly---by reading this book.
Ultimately, though, it is a straightforward history and, as such, was somewhat dry for my tastes, which run more towards historical fiction. I have no criticism of the author's presentation---to the contrary, it was impressive and reasonably engaging. While I was never at risk of not finishing, I would never describe the book as "hard to put down," and had no regrets when the year came to an end.
Book Review: History at its best
Summary: 5 Stars
I read 1776 just prior to going to Washington DC last summer for an internship. I wanted to immerse myself in some of America's heritage prior to visiting some of the historic sites that I undoubtedly would see. McCullough's account of our country's beginnings didn't disappoint in the least.
This historical narrative brings the larger-than-life characters of the Revolution and humanizes them. While McCullough doesn't over-glorify the founding fathers, he doesn't fall into the increasingly prevalent trap of disparaging them either. In this account we meet our country's first military heroes: George Washington, Nathanial Greene, Henry Knox, and yes, even a little of Benedict Arnold.
1776 gives a snapshot of some of the more important occurrences surrounding the Revolution. The following are a sampling of subjects that are expounded on:
* King George III and the general attitudes in Britain
* Early skirmishes and battles of the Revolution
* Inter-lobbying and contention within the continental army
* The hanging of Nathan Hale
* The personal struggles and triumphs of General Washington
I was saddened when the book came to a close. The account thoroughly captures a time when there were many incredible minds at work for our nation. I would love to see McCullough write a complete account of the entire ordeal, but I can only imagine what a mammoth volume that would have to be. Highly recommended!
Book Review: A balanced look at the Revolutionary War
Summary: 4 Stars
1776 was a great book to see what was happening on both sides of the Revolutionary War. Especially useful were the journal entries of the common man/soldier. Reading the book was a pleasure, since it moved fast but gave great details, especially if you like trivia. I kept a map of the East Coast for reference and comparison. I great gift for a history buff.Book Review: As if I am there watching history unfold
Summary: 5 Stars
If you have a few minutes and want to read a book that develops the characters well, provides beautiful scenery for the telling of the tale and blends the reality of the Revolutionary War with the hindsight of the patriotism and majesty of the time....this one is for you. David McCullough is an old hand at historical works and it shows.
The details in his research are apparent; for example, in the description of the buttons worn by each regiment on their uniforms, or the style of fighting for each group as it contributed to the American victory. I am always surprised at the sheer luck of our men during the Revolutionary war, and Mr McCullough deftly points out that time and time again.
Particularly, the fog and how it assisted Washington as he rolls across into New York, or the heavy artillery that is an off the cuff remembrance that eventually leads to a winning bluff at Dorchester Heights, outside of Boston. It is these small remarks that add up to an essential read, especially if you do not have time to read the entire Harvard study of the American Revolution.