1776
Recently I finished reading a book that I borrowed from a friend of mine called “1776″ by David McCullough. As you can guess it is the story of the year 1776 in America, the first full year of the American Revolution. It follows the American and British armies during their struggles and battles, and zooms in on individuals like George Washington and Nethaniel Green and some of the British like General Howe.
The book is written in narative fashion, but McCullough does more then just tell what happened. He constantly refers to sources. In speaking about the conditions of the army in any given place he will quote letters that the soldiers wrote to their wives, or accounts they might have left in their journals. The book is filled with first hand accounts of what happened, but it doesn’t ever lose its momentum or its flow. It reads very quickly, and holds you captivated, constantly wondering who will come through the winner. Although I studied the revolution in high school, I must confess that I dont remember much of what i learned. Reading McCullough’s account of Washingtons siege of Boston, I was in a state of suspense. The genius of Washnington’s taking Dorchester Hights was thrilling, and McCullough had me totally hooked.
The only disapointing thing is that the book ends so quickly. It only covers from the end of ‘75 into the first months of ‘77, and the war continued for 6 years afterwards. I wish there were six more volumes so that I could find out what happened in the end! (ok I know, the good guys win) Another book by McCullough is called “John Adams” and it has been recommended to me. I would definately like to read it, in case anyone wants to get it for me for Christmas 0=) Anyway just thought I’d put in that plug for the book, since I enjoyed it so much, and may it inspire you as it inspired me to go back and re-learn the American history that you forgot from high school.