Saturday, March 31, 2007

1776 by David McCullough

1776: This is the story of the Revolutionary War's first year. General George Washington led his army through glorious victories and humiliating defeats. He crossed rivers three times, twice out from under the noses of the British. Henry Knox performed the feat declared impossible- hauling fifty cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in the dead of winter. Nathanael Greene, a Quaker made general in his thirties, won great battles, as did the British general William Howe. This war shaped America.

Very good, but a little confusing. Washington crossed three rivers, and each time I thought it was the Delaware. That was the last. I had never heard of a lot of the battles and people, so Greene and Knox were nice surprises. Recommended

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Ruth,

I enjoyed meeting you on the Elbe.

Did this book describe Washington's retreat over the Hudson from Washington Heights in Brooklyn, when Washington lit campfires that convinced the British that he was still in his camp, while in fact his army was stealing away from Brooklyn to Manhattan in boats during the night?

I mention this because I saw a commerative plaque in Brooklyn Heights.

Howard Helms, hd.helms@verizon.net

Howard

...I just think of these things, and then I don't feel so bad!

  • Barnes and Noble (and books in general)
  • birthday parties
  • friends
  • fun words (like effervescent and uber)
  • knitting
  • learning languages
  • RUF
  • Scrabble...and other word games
  • skiing
  • sleep-overs
  • swimming
  • tea
  • traveling (not the car part, so much!)
  • weddings
  • writing fantasy stories