1776

“These are times that try men’s souls.” Thomas Paine wrote these words in his collections of essays, The Crisis. He was speaking of the decisive time in America’s history when brave men and women fought for independence. Anyone interested in that part of our heritage will love David McCullough’s book, 1776. Covering the events between the summer of 1775 and the winter of 1776-77, Mr. McCullough immerses the reader into the lives of the leaders and lesser-known men who played pivotal roles in the fight for American independence. Trying to be fair to both sides, he expertly covers the political debates in both London and the colonies. Mr. McCullough gives us a highly readable chronicle of how George Washington with an army of ragtime farmers and merchants defeated the world’s greatest empire. Men like Nathaniel Greene, a Quaker, and Henry Knox, a bookseller, became American patriots. It is a story of women, such as Molly Corbin, who like many wives, accompanied her husband to battle. When her husband was killed she continued to load and fire canon until she too was hit. The book is also a picture of General George Washington, who through suffering, determination, and ingenuity, and despite overwhelming odds, led his army to victory. It is he who said, “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.” It is that very perseverance that we need to make applicable to our lives. Thomas Paine did not know how prophetic his words were. We are in no less trying times today. We need that same spirit the men and women of 1776 had if we intend to be as victorious. I encourage all to get this book for someone on their Christmas list. (And do not forget one for yourself!) 1776 will inspire us to take a stand to prevent the loss of what our forefathers so bravely won for us.