About this book
1776 focuses on one decisive year of the American Revolution. It moves from the British in London to the siege of Boston, the disastrous campaign for New York, the long retreat across New Jersey and the surprise crossing of the Delaware that led to victory at Trenton.
David McCullough tells this as a military story centred on people, especially George Washington and the officers and soldiers around him. He shows Washington making serious mistakes as well as showing remarkable persistence, and he gives the British side, including King George III and General Howe, a fair hearing. The Declaration of Independence is in the background; the army's struggle to survive is in the foreground.
Compact by McCullough's standards and written with his usual narrative warmth, it is an excellent starting point for the Revolution. Follow it with John Adams for the political side of independence, or Alexander Hamilton for one of Washington's young aides who went on to shape the new nation.
Who it’s for
A great first book on the American Revolution; short, gripping and very accessible.
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