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Alan's Reviews > 1776
1776
by
by
This one wasn't bad, but didn't meet expectations. First of all, its organizing principle relies on an arbitrary characteristic of the calendar. A lot happened in 1776, but there is little inherent reason to start a story at the beginning of it and end it at the turn of 1777, and it feels a bit forced.
Secondly, it's essentially a military history--and, as a result, a bit dry in my mind--largely ignoring the important political events of the year.
Of course, Washington is the central character, but McCullough focuses a bit too much on "everyday people" (or, more likely, "everyday people who happened to keep diaries that have survived") for my taste.
That said, the book did basically keep me engaged until the end. I wouldn't recommend it as a first read about that time, but for those with interest in delving deeper, it makes for a fine supporting leg.
Secondly, it's essentially a military history--and, as a result, a bit dry in my mind--largely ignoring the important political events of the year.
Of course, Washington is the central character, but McCullough focuses a bit too much on "everyday people" (or, more likely, "everyday people who happened to keep diaries that have survived") for my taste.
That said, the book did basically keep me engaged until the end. I wouldn't recommend it as a first read about that time, but for those with interest in delving deeper, it makes for a fine supporting leg.
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