I’m on a bit of a non-fiction kick lately, so I thought I’d return to my roots (so to speak…I was a history major in college). And for someone who studied history, I generally find history books to be, well, boring. Especially American history…I gravitated toward European history as much as I could.
Luckily, 1776 has some things going for it:
- It’s not boring. Well, mostly not boring. It’s still got some battles, and I find military history agonizing. I had to take a military history class, and I just about expired from boredom. I remember nothing from the class except how frightening it was to listen to all the ROTC students in the class geek out on strategy.
- It focuses on personalities. So, you know, we’ve got a non-fiction book with characters. Bonus.
- It’s relatively short, especially if you skip the end notes.
- And there are pictures. Granted, all the guys look the same, but still. Pictures!
So what’s it about, you ask? Well, 1776, just like the title says! Perhaps there should be a subtitle: One Year in the Life of an American Revolution.
McCullough starts off by introducing the major players, George Washington, Nathanael Greene and other Americans, as well as King George III and General Howe and other British generals and statesmen. There are also many descriptive passages about the raggedy, sick, untrained American troops, as well as excerpts from primary sources, such as journals and letters of soldiers. And there are battles, most of which I promptly forgot. Except for New York, that one was kind of interesting. Let’s just say that Washington had a habit of sneaking around in the dark.
By far the most interesting character was Washington, or His Excellency as some people addressed him. 1776 was a tough year for him. By his standards, he was surrounded by incompetency. The troops were tired, sick, poorly armed (if at all), poorly paid (again, if at all), and inexperienced. At one point, many of them wanted nothing more than to go home. However, by the end of the year, the Americans got lucky and things started to look up.
If you’re looking for a little shot of history, this is an interesting read. And don’t be scared…if I can make it through the battle scenes, anyone can.
Thanks for your review. I a have been a bit intimidated by this book–it is pretty popular but I was afraid it would be too dense for me. Your review has convinced me that I can handle it.
Stephanie´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday: Twilight
It’s very doable!
First off, I’m GLAD it doesn’t have a subtitle! Many non-fic books try to cram too much info into the title – like they have to summarize it for you. It gets rather irritating when you’re writing a review and the title of the book takes up two whole lines by itself.
And second, like you military history (aka battles) bores me to tears and confuses me besides. BUT!!! I had a prof in college who taught a Civil War class using colored chalk on the board; he had us used different colored pencils to mark the progress of the battle and the troop movements in our notebooks. It was the first time I understood how battles worked and actually found them interesting – I’m forever grateful to that prof …
Heather J.´s last blog ..Photo Update on Bookish Events
I should’ve gone to your college.
I haven’t heard of this book, but I don’t read much non-fiction.
I love the way you try to sell it, but I’m not convinced! I think I prefer to stick with the fiction for now!
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..Recommendations from a non-blogger
It’s pretty esoteric…if you’re going to read non-fiction, there’re tons of more interesting books to choose from!
It’s interesting to me to consider the causes of death of some of these guys. For example, Nathaneal Greene died of sunstroke (after being bled by leeches by the doctors). George Washington died of bronchitis (after being bled with leeches and treated with 2 poisons – mercurous chloride and tartar emetic – by doctors). Reading about the founding fathers always makes me glad I was born in the age of antibiotics!
rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..Revisiting “A Dog About Town” by J.F. Englert and Giveaway
And indoor plumbing!
I figured this one would be over my head, and it just might be, since I didn’t major in history!
Kathy´s last blog ..Review: Nine Dragons
Nah, you could handle it!
I am not reading many non-fiction books these days, but I am actually interested in American History. Not so much battles though
Louise´s last blog ..The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
And this is just a snapshot of US history, so you’d be better off with something else I think.
I read this book during the time we lived in Pennsylvania. Since we literally lived right in the middle of revolutionary war history, it really made the book come more alive for me, even the battle coverage.
I like David McCullough; in general he handles history pretty well!
Valerie´s last blog ..Getting Ready for the 24-Hour Read-a-thon!
I was quite impressed with his writing…I ordered a few more of his books.
Hi! Came by your blog via A High and Hidden Place. I have had 1776 on my shelf for YEARS (literally, actually). I also have a few others by David McCullough, but I haven’t read any of them yet. It sounds like they’re not as intimidating as they may look, though, based on your review. Will have to see if I can get them down. Some time…
Aarti´s last blog ..WINNERS: White as Bone, Red as Blood
As the daughter of a retired American History teacher, there is no end to the number of history books I’ve been offered. Sounds like this is one I should accept. Otherwise, I often find history books to be something that I have to read in small doses.
Lisa´s last blog .."Family Plots: Love, Death and Tax Evasion"
I have this on my shelf, but haven’t read it yet. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by McCullough (John Adams and The Great Bridge), but just haven’t gotten around to this one yet. Good to hear your thoughts on it. A good reminder of why I have this and want to read it.
SuziQoregon´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday #3
I have this on the shelf and meant to read it for the non-fiction five challenge, but I ran out of time and grabbed some graphic memoirs instead.
Truthfully I haven’t been very excited about it because His Excellency: George Washington (by Ellis) was dreadfully boring. Guess I need to separate the two in my mind.
I think it’s kind of funny that you were a history major but think history books are boring!
Trish´s last blog ..The Lace Reader Winner!
You know, I read this last winter to brush up on some American history. I love reading it but tend to forget it almost immediately. And sadly, that is what happened again. Since I no longer have to memorize dates and people and places for AP US or European History classes, I absorb it while and I read and lose it promptly after.
I actually miss the high school days of History and Math. I felt like college had a different learning style…all I did was bullshit my way through it with “analysis.”
Kari´s last blog ..The Good, the Bad, and the Really Cheap Books