1776 Audiobook By David McCullough cover art

1776

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1776

By: David McCullough
Narrated by: David McCullough
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$8.99/mo. after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends July 5, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.

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America’s beloved and distinguished historian presents, in a book of breathtaking excitement, drama, and narrative force, the stirring story of the year of our nation’s birth, 1776, interweaving, on both sides of the Atlantic, the actions and decisions that led Great Britain to undertake a war against her rebellious colonial subjects and that placed America’s survival in the hands of George Washington.

In this masterful book, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence—when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper.

Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is a powerful drama written with extraordinary narrative vitality. It is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color; farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the King’s men, the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known.

Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough’s 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history.

Accolades & Awards

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American Revolution Americas Biographies & Memoirs Literature & Fiction Military & War Revolution & Founding United States Inspiring American Revolution War
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Critic reviews

"This is a narrative tour de force, exhibiting all the hallmarks the author is known for: fascinating subject matter, expert research and detailed, graceful prose. ...Simply put, this is history writing at its best from one of its top practitioners."
-- Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"A master story-teller's character driven account of a storied year in the American Revolution. A sterling account."
-- Kirkus, Starred Review
"...McCullough brilliantly captures the Spirit of '76 in Washington's miraculous victories at Trenton and Princeton. An altogether marvelous contribution that deserves to be read by every American."
-- Library Journal

Featured Article: The 20 Best History Audiobooks You Never Heard in School


While history is by definition the study of the past, no subject tells us more about the present, or is as exciting to follow in contemporary times. The range of subgenres within history writing is huge. Some authors cover a massive scope, while others zoom in to examine tiny, overlooked elements in a new way. Unlike your history class of old, these selections don’t demand memorization of names and dates. Read on for the best in our catalog.

Featured Article The 20 Best History Audiobooks You Never Heard in School
Vivid Character Development • Immersive Historical Details • Soothing Voice • Educational Insights • Engaging Storytelling

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I was a little bit wary of listening to a history book on a recent road trip, but the reviews for 1776 were so good on Audible I thought I'd give it a go. It was worth every minute of the listening, and my 16 and 18 year-old boys were just as drawn into it as I was. I immediately shed my suspicions about any audiobook that is "read by the author" after only a few minutes of McCullough's narration. Not a lot of variation, but clear, warm and intimate. But it was his "story" that kept me listening. History is the recollection of people, events and ideas that shape nations and cultures, but too often historians reduce the telling of history to a recitation of facts and details. Not this historian. For McCullough, details are the servants of the real stories of Washington, Howe, Clinton and all the others whose lives intersected in the events of 1776 to promote an idea that would literally change the world for centuries to come. I was drawn in and drawn along in the drama of the American fight for independence, constantly reminding myself that, yes, we did win, when it seemed impossible that we ever could have. I have studied American history, but I was confronted in this book with just how remarkable the revolution really was, and how unlikely its promise of success. This book gave me new respect for the founders of our great country, and strengthened my resolve to never take my freedom lightly or forget the sacrifices that secured it. When we're all together for another road trip, this time with my wife and daughters, we'll listen again. It's worth the trip, and the time.

History for Non-Historians

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An amazing time in American history, written by a great historian, who should never have been allowed to be the narrator. The most boring, dull, flat narration possible and ruined what should have been a fascinating tale

Tedious

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Really impressed with the depth of research that went in to this novel. Author reading was excellent in his diction and batrayal of events as they occured. Historical detail brought this audiobook alive...really astounding.

Excellent research

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Listening to Mr. McCullough read 1776 brings the story of the Revolution to life. Are we SURE that he was not there to see it happen?

Outstanding!

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Another excellent book looking at the beginning of the USA. It left me wanting to read about 1777 and beyond. If you enjoyed his book on Alexander Hamilton, then you will enjoy this book also.

Great book after reading Hamilton

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