1776 by David McCullough

Genre: Non-fiction, History, Biography
Length: 386 pages

Reviewed by: Willow Locksley

“…When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.” – The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

“The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army.” - General George Washington, July 2, 1776.

In his Pulitzer Prize winning book 1776, author and historian David McCullough makes an engaging study of the individuals and events comprising one year of America’s War for Independence. Despite Congress boldly issuing the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776, McCullough shows readers how the year was marked by a string of shattering American defeats, as ordinary citizens rose up against one of the largest, best-equipped forces in the world: the British military. From the arduous climb up Dorchester Heights to Washington’s legendary crossing of the Delaware, readers will find themselves shouting “Huzzah!” for America’s early patriots.

With eighty-seven pages of source notes, this book is well-researched but not tedious. Readers will enjoy a steady trek through the events of 1776. McCullough keeps the story grounded with interesting looks into the lives of his main characters, among them George Washington, Joseph Reed, Nathanael Greene, Israel Putnam, and Henry Knox, along with the records of common soldiers. McCullough hardly makes a statement without backing it up with a quote from the diaries, letters and newspapers of the time. For those who like to put faces to the names, several glossy pages featuring beautiful color portraits are included.

America’s founders continually called on God for guidance and were quick to give Him the glory; and while McCullough makes no claim to Christianity himself, he doesn’t flinch away from including these passages in his book. Nor does he avoid records telling of an uglier side of the war. Occupying armies posed a real danger to the land’s inhabitants, and vile actions were attributed to both the American and the British sides. It is a story of fallible men doing extraordinary things according to God’s perfect plan.

“These are the times that try men’s souls,” wrote Thomas Paine, a prominent journalist in 1776. Sentinels froze to death on fifteen minute patrols during the harsh winter of that year. Shoes were scarce among the American troops, making it possible for the British to track them by the bloody trail left behind. This account of my forefathers’ struggles gave me a greater appreciation for my country and reminded me that, while freedom is precious and great courage is required to preserve it, it is ultimately God’s will that decides the fate of men and nations. Highly recommended.

Note: 1776 by David McCullough is also available in an illustrated & abridged edition.