1776 by David McCullough Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of 1776
Book Review: McCullough Informs
Summary: 5 Stars
David McCullough is a very talented writer. In this book he takes a critical year in the American Revolution. McCullough takes the reader on a journey through the crucial year of losses for the great General Washington.
This book was very informative and reminds or informs readers for the first time that George Washington was not an experienced commander and Washington and his top generals learned from their failures, especially in 1776. 1776 is known by most because of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, although it was not a great year militarily for the young country. The book starts out with the successful seige of Boston, and reminds many of the defeats at NY and NJ (both humiliating as the young Americans were outnumbered, outflanked, and outsmarted).
The victory at Trenton and Princeton near the end of the year were inspiring to the Americans and gave them hope through the long winter.
McCullough leaves no stone unturned in this book. McCullough shows the reader the difficulty of the conditions and makes a point that is not emphasized enough about Washington. Washington did not have to lead the army for all those difficult years. McCullough reminds everyone that Washington could have left his post and led a happier life in his beloved Mount Vernon, anyone who has read about Washington knows that this was not really an option for the great leader because of his great belief in the American way of life.
This is a must read for those interested in the details of the American Revolution that succeeded against all odds (which McCullough also puts a great emphasis on).
Book Review: Wonderful job
Summary: 4 Stars
David McCullough is as good as anyone at turning history into a gripping narrative. I felt that after the first 100 pages or so, this book was a riveting and informative read. It was a bit slow to start as McCullough set the scene for the eventful year of 1776. But once he got into it, it never stopped, from the British evacuating Boston, to the battles for control of New York, to "Common Sense" and "Crisis," down to the dramatic conclusion of the middle-of-the-night attacks in New Jersey. Of course those were not conclusions to anything, and the end of the book left me wanting more. But he accomplished his objective by producing a terrific book.Book Review: enjoyable and well paced
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a well paced book. It is never dull, and provides a lot of insight and detail including personal insight from Washinton, et al. It is easy going as well as informative and entertaining.Book Review: essential reading
Summary: 5 Stars
I graduated with a history degree from a reputable university and I now teach history. I'm saddened at how much about our Revolution I never knew. This book is masterful and essential. It is the second of his works that I have read (The Johnstown Flood) and they were both brilliant. If he's not the best non-fiction author in the world, I'd like for you to please email me someone who is better. This book is fantastic, and you'll be just like I was when I read it: astonished at reality versus fiction, regarding our war for independence.Book Review: never received item
Summary: 1 Stars
I ordered the book 1776 over 6 weeks ago and never received it. My child needs this book for a class beginning in January and I fully do not expect her to have it.