David Rubenstein's Reviews > 1776

This excellent history of one year of the Revolutionary War follows both American and British commanders. The Americans had very little experience in warfare. They made decisions on the fly, often without understanding the consequences.

George Washington is followed in great detail. He himself realized how unfit he was for the job. He made dreadful mistakes, but he made brilliant decisions, too. And he was always a good leader and courageous. He was able to surprise the British a few times, to great effect.

This is an entertaining, engaging book. Because it focuses on a single year, the book is able to cover its topics in great depth. I listened to the audiobook version, read by the author, David McCullough. He is a so-so reader. I think that a trained actor would do much better with the material.