Voices of 1776 (Paperback)

~ Wheeler (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (March 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452010780
• ISBN-13: 978-0452010789
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #284,193 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best introduction to the Revolutionary War!, September 30, 1998

By	D. Kirk (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging,Serious,Rewarding!, October 11, 2000

By	Mcgivern Owen L (NY, NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"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".

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting, March 2, 2000

By	J. R Rodriguez "Scunck" (Bronx, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.