In 1776: The Illustrated Edition, the efforts of the Continental Army are made even more personal, as an excerpted version of the original book is paired with letters, maps, and seminal artwork.

Great educational displays to give depth and breadth to copy ( )

A close account of the year 1776 and it's impact on US history. You get the idea that at any time, with a shift of the wind, we could still be paying taxes to the brits. I especially liked the discussions of the battles of Boston and New York. While the battle for Trenton was interesting, it was a critical part of the war, too. I learned about Nathanael Greene, who was reportedly recommended by Washington to take over the Army if he (Washington) was disabled or captured. There were also vignettes about individual soldiers. It's not hard to see why this was a bestseller. ( )

With his fluid prose and massive research, McCullough details the events in North America during the historic year of 1776, when colonists from England became rebels on their way to becoming independent. Tensions had been percolating much longer, but this momentous year saw the official start of war between Great Britain and the Sons of Liberty (one of the positive appellations given to colonists ready to fight), as well as the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence. The book proceeds in chronological order, but shifts from viewpoint to viewpoint, offering the reader insight into a turbulent time on many levels. McCullough not only presents the opinions from both parties in the war, he also gives the input of persons both high and low. He utilizes diary entries from noble officers and enlisted men in the British ranks, and from country boys who became soldiers in the militias from the colonies. He pulls excerpts from General Washington's correspondence, letters from congress members, and the personal correspondences between several spouses.

It is amazing how McCullough seamlessly weaves all of this information (check out the source notes at the back of the book for an idea of the amount of research that went into every single page) into a narrative. This was one of the easiest historical accounts I have read. The facts are solid, but presented with a personal touch, and the descriptions of battles and retreats are both accurate and thrilling. Even though I know how events turned out, I was often in suspense while reading. Also, as McCullough notes towards the end of the book, many of us have forgotten how difficult the revolution was, and what sacrifices it required. In fact, I had no idea that the war took roughly seven years. Also, we annually celebrate the occasion on the fourth of July without considering that the colonists came perilously close to defeat multiple times during this year. In fact, Washington's victories that set our army on its feet and put the colonists in a more hopeful position occurred at the very end of the year. Before that, Washington and his men suffered a long string of defeats and retreats.

Although the book follows events of the war, a good amount of narration is also spent examining Washington's life and character. After reading this book, I can appreciate our first president as a historical person, instead of the idealized founding father image that I have accrued as a United States citizen. I was fascinated to learn how Washington felt about his role of immense responsibility, and to see his strengths and weaknesses played out in the unforgiving field of battle. McCullough admires this leader of our country, and emphasizes the fact that Washington was our deliverer. Nonetheless, he doesn't hide from Washington's flaws, but honestly presents him as a regular man, also prey to mistakes and indecisiveness, not sure that he was capable of leading the army, but steadfastly faithful to the cause and ultimately destined for greatness.

I highly recommend this narrative historical account. The year is one of a handful of dates that are of utmost important to our history. Considering that 1776 actually marks the start of our history, it is clear why McCullough chose to illuminate the time frame. Not only will readers learn so much about a significant moment that changed the course of nations; thanks to the first-hand accounts and expert writing, they will also feel as if they are vicariously living the experience themselves. ( )

This is an excellent coffee table book. The illustrations are fabulous and the removable replicas of source documents are remarkable. Well done David McCullough and Simon & Schuster! P.S., The slipcase is equally beautiful as the book itself! ( )