1776 by David McCullough Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of 1776
Book Review: A master historian at his best
Summary: 5 Stars
"1776" demonstrates why David McCullough is among the elite master historians of our time. His unique ability to combine first-rate historical analysis, with meaningful personnel narrative is the key to the book's success. While the basics of the American Revolution are widely known, McCullough is able to tell the story in a fresh and engaging way.
At no time did I feel the book dragged or became boring. The extensive use of original sources from a wide range of characters from George Washington down to a 14-year old fife player demonstrated the scope the author's research. He skillfully balanced the role of the war's leaders with the critical impact of the common citizen.
A basic background in the American Revolution is required, since the author starts the book long after the revolution began and ends the work longer before the war is over. This in no way bothered me, since it gave the author the ability to really drill down into the events of 1776.
It is great to see that McCullough remains at the top of his game and is not just cranking out works written by assistants to fund his retirement. The attention to detail and painstaking original research makes this work well worth your time for understanding the foundation of American society.
Book Review: A masterful history from a master historian.
Summary: 5 Stars
There is little I can add that other reviewers haven't already said, so I'll keep my comments brief. "1776" is a focused history, primarily of the events of that year, but more specifically of George Washington's leadership of the ragtag Continental Army through the most critical phase of the battle for independence. Other personages like Nathanael Greene and Henry Knox figure very prominently, as do British commanders like the brothers Howe (general William and admiral Richard).
The narrative picks up in the summer of 1775, just after Bunker Hill, with the appointment of Washington to lead the American army, such as it was in those days. It then traces through the siege of Boston and the capture of Dorchester Heights, through the catastrophic New York campaign and retreat through New Jersey, and culminates with the American victories at Trenton and Princeton. The story ends there rather abruptly. From beginning to end the tale is told from both the American and British perspective, from the highest commanders to the lowest foot soldiers.
Through it all, Washington is without a doubt the central personality on display. The strength of his character and resolve shine through in the face of myriad adversities, the failures of his ragamuffin troops, and his own occasional military ineptitude. McCullough strikes a trustworthy historical balance between the adulation afforded Washington in his times of success, to the doubts of those same admirers in his times of failure. Drawing heavily on primary sources in the form of preserved letters and diaries, both from Washington and those who surrounded him, McCullough paints an accurate and realistic portrait of the one man who, more than any other, can rightly be credited with saving the cause of American independence, by the grace of God.
My only criticism, and it is a minor one, is that I would have preferred that McCullough expand the end of the narrative to provide a synopsis of the remaining war years. Of course, this was evidently beyond the scope of what the author intended, so I'll have to look elsewhere for that portion of the history. What McCullough gave us, however, was brilliantly done, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know what REALLY happened during that crucial year.
Book Review: A new perspective
Summary: 5 Stars
Again David McCullough uses his talent for narrating history the way no one else can. This book takes us back to the time when Washington, Adams, Hamilton and the rest of the founding fathers where flash and blood, not historical figures. This book brings out the struggles and triumphs these guys were faced with, all with eloquence and master story telling.
McCullough gives a fresh perspective on what it would have been like living at the time, and how difficult was the mission these folks took upon themselves. It is difficult to imagine the hardships both generals and commoners endured during this time. The author also humanizes the English, and we can understand events from their point of view as well, and gives us a better understanding of how really close they were to actually winning.
This is a fun read, well researched with a sense of humor throughout.
Book Review: A point not so subtle.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are looking for a complete history of revolutionary war full of names and dates, then this book is not for you. On the other hand, if you are serious about history and ever asked yourself "how did they pull it off?!", then you'll enjoy this narrative very much. The book starts off a little dry, but towards the middle you start seeing the point author is making. All in all, the book is a great read.
Being a New Yorker and walking past 1 Broadway, Trinity Church, Federal Hall and many other historical places every single day, made reading this book especially interesting.
Highly recommend it to anyone serious about history.
Book Review: A story every American should read
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had a few of McCullough's books on my shelves for a long time. I've always been well-intent on reading most of his books. But this is actually the first of his books I've actually read. And it was quite an incredible book. This covers the events of the Revolutionary War during 1776, which despite the bold Declaration of Independence and its glorification in history was anything but a positive year for the American colonies.
1776 was a hard year, especially for George Washington, who struggled to keep his army from disintegrating from desertions and expiring enlistments, and suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British army. McCullough follows the Continental Army from the siege of Boston, through the invasion of New York, the retreat through New Jersey, and finishes with Washington's bold Christmas Eve attack across the Delaware River on the Hessians camped in Trenton.
This book is eye-opening to the reality of just how close Washington and his army came to losing the war. For any not inclined towards history books, keep in mind that McCullough is a storyteller, and one of the best there is.