McCullough’s Latest

I really enjoyed reading David McCullough’s latest book 1776. As in his previous effort John Adams, Mr. McCullough does a masterful job of using letters and journals to tell the story of the time (It was interesting to note that Mr. McCullough started both books with a horse ride; in John Adams it was Adams’ ride to Philadelphia via, George Washington’s headquarters in Cambridge, to be part of the Continental Congress that would sign the Declaration of Independence and in the current effort it is George III’s ride to address Parliament on the subject of the rebellious American Colonies in October 1775 (okay, it was a carriage ride but still)).   The current book tells the story of the rebel American army in the year of the title, from the forcing of the British fleet out of Boston harbor, to the disastrous New York campaign, and the surprise American victories at Trenton and Princeton.  It is neat to learn about some of the more obscure American Generals, such as Lee (who rivaled Washington for influence), Greene (the youngest American general at only 33 years of age) and General Putnam or “Old Put” (commander of the Connecticut contingent and an ancestor of yours truly).  Mr. McCullough brings these figures to life in their own words from their letters.  Along the way some of the things that have been taught in history classes are dispelled (Nathan Hale, although brave, probably shouldn’t have been sent as a spy because his personality was to open and that the Hessians attacked by the Americans on the day after Christmas in Trenton weren’t drunk).  If I have any criticism of the book it is that it is too short.  Just when the tide is turning, and the Americans have won the battles of Trenton and Princeton the book comes to an abrupt halt.  I would have been happier with a longer book that covered the whole war.  I don’t know if Mr. McCullough is planning to continue the tale in other volumes or not, but if he is I would have been happier (and richer) if he had included it all in one tome.

Comments

[Kelly]

I have read more than thirty books in the last two months, but I have put off 1776. I purchased it for my husband and yet it sits unread, collecting dust. After reafing your description, I have decided to read it just as soon as I am done with "Paradise News." Thanks for the review. It has inspired me.

[Hannah]

You should defuinately post more. It's interesting, I'll definately check out 1776.