Customer Reviews

Voices of 1776

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The stories in this book are told by people who were there! The war is described in great detail through a compilation of diaries and documents written by participants as or soon after the events occurred. It is more interesting than any historian's narrative could be. I have been waiting and waiting for this book to come back into print. Thank goodness it's here!

"Voices of 1776" is a tale of the Revolutionary War from its' beginnings at Lexington, Concord and Breed's Hill (not Bunker Hill!) to the British surrender at Yorktown, Virginia. Mr. Wheeler tells his story in the actual words of the participants (on both sides)-hence the "voices" in the title. These are in the more formal, flowery method of speaking from that time and appear in regular typeface. Since this language can be hard to understand, the author includes his explanatory notes in "today's" style- but in italics!!It was very interesting -if challenging- to jump back and forth between the two. "1776" is written quite chronologically, so the reader should not become confused. If one is interested in the latter period of the War, it's easy to skip to that section of the narrative. The stories of the high points-the Battles of Breed's Hill,Saratoga,Trenton and John Paul Jones" naval exploits are all here with just the right amount of detail. Lesser known sides of the War such as the American invasion of Quebec and the troubles we had with Indians (even then!) are also included. Mr. Wheeler does a particularly fine job presenting the events of Benedict Arnold's treason and the dramatic execution of his contact, Major Andre. I'm always fascinated to relearn that so many bloody and decisive battles were fought in South Carolina! And anyone who doubts that France is not our friend will be set straight (no French=no surrender at Yorktown). This will make a fine read for a history buff, for those who wish to "review" for themselves their nation's history or perhaps for parents who want to "encourage" the same with the kids. Casual readers may be disappointed as may Vermont natives-The Battle of Bennington isn't covered!! A final helpful hint-the reader may wish to have a Rand McNally Atlas handy since geography is crucial to understanding the battles; the book's many maps are in the formal "style of the times".

An excellent book for anyone interested in obtaining detail, from a participant's viewpoint, that most history books lack. If anyone would enjoy time traveling, he would enjoy chapter 31 which focuses on John Paul Jones and the famous battle which made him legendary. The troubles that one faced during battles aboard wooden vessels was amazing, and, simultaneously amusing! A must read for those interested in the thinking process of the participants. Chapter 31 was my favorite chapter of the whole book and I strongly recommend it to any navy personnel who has or wants a future in the navy.

I just finished David McCullough's "1776," having read Wheeler's "Voices of 1776" immediately prior.

While not as well known as David McCullough's book, "1776," "Voices of 1776" brings to life those in the thick of the Revolution, whether by choice or chance.

McCullough's does an excellent job of conveying the endless trials that Washington faced and his unflagging devotion to the cause.

Wheeler's book, however, was the more satisfying of the two.

Made up of excerpts from letters, diaries, and newspaper accounts of the day, woven together with historical context from the editor, the longer and frequently more detailed first person accounts in "Voices" give one a much better sense of the times.

And of course by letting the participants speak at length in their own voices, the accounts were more gripping.

Two other differences of note:

- "Voices" covers the entire conflict (in time and geography); McCullough's focuses on Washington and his leadership during a single year.

- McCullough's includes a some photographs and a few maps; the several detailed maps in "Voices" helped one understand the specific battles.

Those wanting to really understand life during the revolution will enjoy reading the accounts in "Voices of 1776."

This excellent volume is yet another compendium of primary source material coupled with the excellent commentary and summaries by the author. It is enlightening, accurate, lively, and just a plain good read. It is also an excellent research resource for further study of the period.

The war is covered through a continuous drum roll of accounts of the participants, ranging from a lively description of a hanging, which, failing the first time because of a faulty rope, the unfortunate party was 'launched into eternity' on the second go round, through the accurate description of the worthless militia that 'ran like a torrent' at the first clash at Camden in 1780, leaving the stalward Maryland and Delaware Continentals to slug it out alone and outnumbered under their respected commander, Baron de Kalb, who, after finally falling with his eleventh wound of the action, saw his faithful Continentals ground to destruction by overwhelming numbers of enemy infantry and cavalry. Finally, in one of the best quotes in the book, a Virginia officer saw and heard Washington relieve Lee at Monmouth, in the midst of the retreat, and that the Commander-in-Chief 'swore till the leaves shook on the trees' and that the language used on Lee was both 'charming' and 'delightful.' It is also noted that the Virginia officer himself was a master of the profane.

What this volume does provide is an authentic record of the men who fought and won the Revolution, through incredible hardship and long odds. What they won can be captioned simply by what a British officer told a Quaker in Philadelphia, 'You have got a hell of a fine country here.'

We should all take that comment to heart. Reading this book will give the reader a renewed aprreciation both for what we have and what these soldiers and statesmen wrougt by their dedication and sacrifice. This book is highly recommended.

The Voices of 1776 by Richard Wheeler is a
great reference book. The book begins with the out
brake of the Revolutionary War on April 19th
seventeen-seventy-five. The book has a collection
of different accounts of the major battles and campaigns of the war. It is an easy book to read and
entertains the reader. The book also has maps that are useful in seeing the layout of the battles. This
book is recommended to any American history
buff, or some one who just loves good reading.

This was one of the first books I read when I started my research, and later my writing, on the Rev War 30 years ago. It is a good starting point. I also recommend Spirit of '76 by Commager and Morris, and similar books full of first hand accounts that bring the participants' stories to life. - Gregory Edgar

This book is captivating even for non-"history buffs". I was so impressed by it that I ordered copies for several family members and friends and they rave about it. If the history books used in schools were even half this interesting we'd be a nation of history scholars. Having those who lived through it "tell" you what happened and how in such detail makes it a hard book to put down. It's the best 12 bucks you'll ever spend.