1776: America and Britain at War

I feel that I should start with this disclaimer, I bought this book because I knew very little about America’s revolution and war of independence, and so wanted a primer in order to fill in a somewhat embarrassing knowledge gap. So with that out of the way, as someone who knew very little about 1776, this book is exceptional. It has to be one of the most accessible and interesting history books that I have ever read, and is done so in a story like style, so it is very easy to hold your interest. Most of the book centres around George Washington, however, not to a limiting degree and it provides insights into a wide range of key players around the conflict and realities of 1776 life. This book I would say is very much a generalist one, it doesn’t really specialise in any one aspect of 1776 and goes just enough depth to get you to know a little about a lot. I would say, if you are looking for a general book on the American Revolution and a good, easy read this book is definitely for you as a primer to the subject. That said, if you are more of a history buff and know the subject in more detail, I feel this book may be too general (if still a fantastic read).

This is an easy to read account of the events of one year in the American War of Independence and as such it fulfils its aims quite admirably. McCullough is well-known as a narrator on numerous historical television documentaries and he brings that ease of storytelling and description to bear in his own writing; this is an unfussy narrative occasionally quoting letters, personal accounts and other relevant sources in order to provide a pretty vivid snapshot of a fairly momentous year which saw Washington's first efforts as military leader, the British strategic withdrawal from Boston - only to reappear off New York in greater numbers, and the Declaration of Independence, which effectively meant there was no going back for those engaged in the rebellion. McCullough is refreshingly even-handed in his approach, neither demonising the British nor adopting the over-reverential treatment of Washington some American historians can/have be guilty of; it provides a much more human perspective and a more considered, better balanced viewpoint of events; patiently revealing the rather complex social and political positions of both the Americans and the British; a context often distorted or misrepresented by more partisan historical commentators. A little knowledge of the period is advisable, but on the whole I consider this to be a book almost anyone could pick up, read and enjoy, providing an instructive and rewarding portal into this period and topic of history.

Brilliantly written, bringing to life the reality of the war. The book shows what a close call the war really was and what a huge effort the crown made, especially from the naval perspective. Washington was lucky, he had a rag bag army but he did have unity of command. It was a riveting read, competing with any work of fiction. One of the best historical accounts of warfare I have ever read. 1776 was an epic year in the history of the western world and the book is a work of genius. This is how history should be told - a masterpiece.

In this book you find out that American Revolution is more than a rebellion against British rule. It's an inspiring story of a few revolutionaries with no experience in combat, but they had the necessary great courage and holy cause to fight for their liberty an independence. This book is well written by an author who knows his craft. I would highly recommend it to all history enthusiasts with no exception. Everyone should hear this noble story of the founding fathers of the USA. I never liked America and their policy but this book shows a total different story and a more friendly America.

Narrative history at its best; McCullough writes as he talks and if you are familiar with his voiceovers for the excellent Ken Burns documentaries you will hear that rich, comforting voice running through these pages like well-informed molasses. He places the reasons for the conflict - one often overlooked by Brtish historians for obvious reasons - in a clear context and he has the knack of bringing to life not only the great set pieces of the war but also the more private moments where the forgotten stories of the little people are placed alongside the interior monologues of the legendary figures to produce a wealth of anecdote and reflection that deepens understanding. This is a book to be enjoyed by the scholar and the layman. As with all McCullough's work - and I'd especially recommend his biographies of Presidents Truman and John Adams as well as his book on the building of the Brooklyn Bridge - this is a hugely informative and highly readable account of a pivotal moment in world history, one of which we only have a very partial or no view at all in the U.K.

I loved this book. Due to my ignorance of this period of history I had very little idea of how the major engagements would play out. As a result I was thoroughly gripped by the action and it's affect on the people involved. It was well researched, well paced and contained many first-hand accounts from the diseased and filthy soldier right up to the slightly less diseased and filthy Generals. This all adds up to a book that reads more like a novel than a dry, historical text. I would also say that it seems like a balanced account of both the events and notable characters. It was so good that I have just purchased two more from Mr McCullough.

The books is written as a historical novel and is entirely focused on a series of events in 1776. No broader setting is given (a thorough introduction on the histories leading up to 1776 would be nice). The book in my view lacks true and comprehensive historical frame and is more an entertaining writing on the way the 'Americans' under the lead of George Washington went through hardships etc. Definitely biased. As for the physical quality of the book: not great, my version in the end fell apart.

Excellent book, well written and accessible. Only complaint is that it does exactly what it says on the tin: this is the story of 1776 and 1776 only. There is little background to the revolutionary war and nothing beyond the end of 1776, even though the war went on for another six years. But it at least whetted my appetite to read more.

David McCullough is an amazing author. His attention to details is incredible and his ability to weave events of history in a readable story is superb. The print in this copy is a bit too small.

Quelle aventure : une armée qui n’en est pas une victorieuse à deux reprises d’un adversaire puissant et bien organisé. Et un chef qui, malgré quelques indécisions, remporte les victoires décisives. Dommage que le livre s’arrête avant la bataille de Yorktown.

Positives: 1. Highly engaging. Very hard to put the book down 2. Seems to be an honest narrative. It does not talk only about the glories of Gen Washington and his men, but also of the troubles they were plagued with - diseases, desertion and destitution Negative (Spoiler - some may consider): Abrupt start and end. Starts right after the battle of Bunker Hill and ends somewhere in the middle of the war. No context setting whatsoever, and a hasty conclusion. Rather than being a narrative of the American Revolution, it is only about the events of 1776. Positives strongly outweight the negative. Thus, no star deducted.

Gran libro relacionado con la Historia de EUA. Llegó rápido y en excelente estado. gracias

I learned so much from this book. It’s very detailed and accurate historically.