1776 by David McCullough Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of 1776
Book Review: A Page-Turner
Summary: 5 Stars
A gripping account of the military activities which occured during the year 1776. The focus is on General Washington in his darkest hours, with his subordinates doubting him and his untrained troops forced to retreat again and again.
The story is told in an interesting, fast-paced way. In a somewhat "Ken Burns" style, passages from letters and diaries of the participants are used throughout.
If, like me, you are not well versed in Revolutionary War history, it's worth noting that this book does not cover the entire war; only the events of 1776. But, that being said, I found this book to be well written, well researched, and exciting to read. The descriptions of the locations will also be extremely interesting to you if you have spent much time in Boston, New York, or New Jersey.
Book Review: A refreshingly traditional retelling of one of the most critical years in our nation's history
Summary: 5 Stars
The first thing that struck me upon reading 1776 was McCullogh's engaging style. Always ready with a deft turn of phrase, and seamlessly integrating period quotations into the narrative, McCullough's skills as a writer shine through in this volume.
His research was obviously painstaking, and he provides rare (for an American reader) insights into the lives and thoughts of British soldiers. McCullough's respect for the men and women who faced such hardships is evident throughout; it's a refreshing change of pace from some recent deconstructionist fare.
That's not to say McCullough holds the Americans up on a pedestal and refuses to criticise where warranted. He indicates clearly where the inexperience or inability of the American commanders contributed to a series of defeats throughout the summer of the year, and is matter-of-fact regarding issues like discipline and sanitation, the lack of which plagued the American army constantly.
While focusing on the war effort, this is not an entirely "military" book, and those without an interest in military history should enjoy it as well. At times I felt the descriptions of the battle preparations were a bit too labored (particularly in the chapters preceeding the battle of New York), but by and large McCullough keeps the narrative moving along smartly and doesn't rely too heavily on technical terms that someone unfamiliar with the period would find difficult.
Book Review: A true page turner!
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the most interesting history books I have read. It's a great perspective on our country's first leader and the unlikelyhood of the American Army actually winning the war. Yet, through Washington's efforts, instinct, knowledge, and lots of luck...we now live in the United States.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: 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.